Paul Merkelo Recounts His Experience Premiering Wynton Marsalis’ Trumpet Concerto

In this episode, Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, discusses his involvement in premiering Wynton Marsalis’ new trumpet concerto.

Paul talks about the inception of the project, his preparation process, and the various challenges he faced in mastering the piece. He highlights the unique aspects of the concerto, including its nods to jazz and classical traditions.

He also shares insights into his practice routines, juggling professional and personal responsibilities, and the advice he received from Wynton Marsalis.

The conversation dives deep into the artistic and technical demands of the concerto, the significance of musical storytelling, and the broader implications of cross-genre collaborations in music.

Episode Highlights:

01:55 The Wynton Marsalis Trumpet Concerto

04:55 Preparing for the Premiere

07:52 The Performance Experience

14:57 Musical Borders and Future Projects

24:26 The Importance of Likability in Music

25:21 Preparing for a Major Performance

27:43 Breaking Down the Movements

34:05 Balancing Family, Work, and Practice

37:47 Global Premieres and Educational Outreach

40:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Musicians

44:03 Humorous Anecdotes and Closing Remarks

Resources Mentioned:

Paul Merkel’s website (https://paulmerkelo.com)

Wynton Marsalis (https://wyntonmarsalis.org)

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