Townsend Offers Musical "Journeys With My Cello"

Brendan Townsend, Music Director of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, grew up not with a baton in his hand, but rather a cello bow.

On Tuesday evening, April 5, 2005 Townsend will share some of his musical memories with the community in a recital of music for cello and piano entitled "Journeys with my Cello."

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of TAMIU's Center for Fine & Performing Arts. It is free and open to the public.

From his earliest days growing up in Ireland, Townsend has been active as a musician.

"My father was my first teacher when I was just 3," Townsend said. "But when I wanted to change to cello, he enrolled me in lessons at the Cork School of Music, and I have been playing ever since!"

Over the years he concertized in Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy as well as the United States. This performance will be his first recital here in Laredo since becoming both Music Director of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and Assistant Professor of Music teaching, among other things, cello at TAMIU and Laredo Community College.

This free concert will include music by Bach, Goltermann, Bruch, Mozart / Townsend, Paganini and Faure.

"This is the music that I grew up with and that I think every cellist should know," said Townsend. "The Bach Suites for solo cello, for instance, are an essential part of our repertoire, and it is a pleasure to be able to perform this great music here in Laredo."

Joining Townsend on stage is TAMIU piano guru Dr. Fritz Gechter, whose diverse talents have brought him to the forefront of the music scene in South Texas. Dr. Gechter was last seen appearing with the TAMIU Symphonic Wind Ensemble playing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

"I love to make music with other people," Gechter commented, "and working with Brendan - who is a wonderful cellist - gives me the chance to play some wonderful music we rarely hear in these parts."

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail pais@tamiu.edu or visit tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu