Annual ‘Octubafest’ to begin Thursday

Tubist Roland Szentpali will headline the 38th annual “Octubafest.”

Jacobs School of Music’s Brass Department will present tuba and euphonium concerts at 7 p.m. daily beginning Thursday and ending Monday in Ford-Crawford Hall.

IU tuba professor Daniel Perantoni will direct the performances by students, faculty and guests.

Perantoni said all of his tuba students are required to perform. In total, 19 tuba and euphonium students will perform.

“I put it together to make an interesting program,” Perantoni said. “It’s good for the audience. They’re going to hear 19 different pieces.”

Selections will include the John Williams Concerto for Tuba and a piece by Alec Wilder.

Pianist Piotr Wisniewski will accompany Szentpali for their performance at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 in Auer Hall.

Szentpali, born in Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, started playing euphonium at the age of 12 and tuba at 13.

He studied at the Bela Bartok Music High School in Miskolc, Hungary, and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary.

Perantoni said he chose Szentpali to perform because of his talent and because Szentpali will teach in Perantoni’s place during an upcoming sabbatical.

“Roland is an international soloist,” Perantoni said. “He’s one of the best players in the world.”

The late Harvey Phillips, tubist and former IU distinguished professor emeritus, started the series in 1974.

“Octubafest” is now celebrated at universities and cities around the country, including University of Memphis and Ohio University.

Perantoni said he is glad to carry on Phillips’ legacy.

“I continue that tradition wholeheartedly,” Perantoni said. “He was my mentor and teacher.”

- Kate Thacker