The University of Oregon will welcome international trombone soloist and recording artist Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic, for a special weeklong residency in late January at the School of Music and Dance.

The UO School of Music and Dance has named Alessi a 2014 Robert M. Trotter Visiting Professor, a mark of distinction reserved for honored guest artists and scholars. Alessi’s time on campus will include three public performances in historic Beall Concert Hall and a more informal master class that will be free and open to the public.

“There are few guests the UO trombone studio could sponsor that would be as meaningful, that would offer so much, as Joe Alessi,” said Henry Henniger, UO assistant professor of trombone.

“This residency will not only introduce Alessi and his amazing body of work to local audiences, it also represents an unprecedented opportunity for our brass student musicians to learn first-hand from a true master of the craft,” Henniger added.             

Alessi was appointed principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic in the spring of 1985, and has also performed as a member of the San Francisco Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, L'Orchestre symphonique de Montreal and the London Symphony Orchestra. Alessi is currently on the faculty of The Juilliard School. His discography includes many releases on the Summit record label, including the recent "Trombonastics," and a disc with New York Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Philip Smith entitled "Fandango." His recording of George Crumb's “Starchild” on the Bridge record label won a Grammy Award for 1999­-2000.

Alessi’s Jan. 21 master class is open admission, free of charge. Tickets for the three paid admission events are available at the door or in advance from the UO Ticket Office, 541-346-4363.

The complete residency schedule:

Monday, January 20

A centerpiece solo recital event kicking off the weeklong residency. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from the UO Ticket Office, 541-346-4363.

Tuesday, January 21

As part of his weeklong residency, Alessi will work with UO trombone students on perfecting their craft. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, January 22

Alessi will perform with the Track Town Trombones, the UO trombone ensemble, under the direction of Henry Henniger. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from the UO Ticket Office, 541-346-4363.

Friday, January 24

In the capstone event of his weeklong residency, Alessi will perform as featured soloist with the University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David M. Jacobs, a capstone event of the weeklong residency. Repertoire will include the finale from Shostakovich's Symphony #5, "March to the Scaffold" from Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" and the Rota Trombone Concerto.

- from the UO School of Music and Dance