Maestoso Brass Ensemble UA emerges as a fresh chamber music entity connected to the University of Alicante Philharmonic Orchestra, widely known as OFUA. This wind quintet was established with the backing of Vectalia to amplify the orchestra’s versatility and to offer audiences intimate, chamber-style experiences that highlight the shimmering timbres of wind instruments. Maestoso becomes the second university chamber group to arise from OFUA, following the Vibrato String Quartet UA, which debuted in 2018 with the same local patronage supporting its early steps.
Maestoso Brass Ensemble UA began its rehearsals in May 2022, setting its sights on a public launch that arrived soon after. The ensemble’s inaugural concert took place on July 7 at Santa Bárbara Castle, where they opened the UA Rafael Altamira Summer Courses, inviting attendees into a refined space that paired historic surroundings with contemporary artistry.
The lineup features Javier Lasarte on trumpet, Marc Gosalbez on horn, Angel Beauty on tuba, Pau Lop on trombone, and Nacho Civera on trumpet. Their program blended a spectrum of styles, including pieces by Anthony Holborne, Johann Sebastian Bach, Georges Bizet, Juanjo Colomer, and Sonny Kompanek, performed in the historic Felipe II chamber of Santa Bárbara Castle to create a dialog between early music, classical tradition, and modern repertoire during their debut appearance.
These five young musicians are all members of OFUA and share a long-standing camaraderie forged during their studies at the Óscar Esplá Superior Music Conservatory in Alicante, where they completed their chamber music training with honors. Early in their careers they formed their own ensemble, earning recognition through a series of awards and competitions that underscored their commitment to collaborative artistry and tight ensemble playing.
March marked a pivotal moment when the five musicians united under OFUA’s call to form a university chamber group. They balance the responsibilities of ensemble life with the orchestra’s demanding schedule, while continually expanding their repertoire and refining their performance practice. In addition to regular rehearsals, the group participates in coaching sessions designed to elevate their artistry. Tobias Gossman, OFUA’s artistic director, coordinates private master classes with visiting conductors and instrumentalists who frequently engage with the orchestra, enriching the ensemble’s musical voice and professional development.
Maestoso Brass Ensemble UA is poised to embark on a dynamic program intended to broaden their performance horizons and connect with broader audiences through corporate events and educational initiatives. This initiative will enable the ensemble to stage concerts at various UA campus locations and in university classrooms throughout the province of Alicante, while also supporting social engagement efforts. The project aligns with the university’s broader mission to expand culture and knowledge throughout the region, reinforcing the role of music as a unifying force across academic and civic life.