"Adam Frey [is] perhaps the world's leading young euphonium player...[This album] makes it clear that his reputation is deserved. Frey shows a beautiful tone that is full yet crisp...fine interpretive instincts...amazing technique...Frey sounds terrific, and the New Zealand Symphony gives its all to the project."
Fanfare ~ March / April 2008

Welcome to the exciting world of great music and the euphonium! This landmark recording will take you from the contemplative melody of Ennio Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe to a stunning display of virtuosity in Zigeunerweisen to the grand finale featuring one of the newest works written for the instrument, the Concerto for Euphonium: Swimming the Mountain by Allen Feinstein. There are many scenic lookouts on the way, but first a little background before we start the journey…

Sit back and allow me to tell you a story about the euphonium. It is the youngest member of the brass family only being invented around 1835 in Germany. Since it was invented after the standard instrumentation of the symphony orchestra had been established, it does not hold a regular position with major symphony orchestras, though it appears in some special works by Holst, Strauss, Mahler and others. However, the euphonium occupies a highly coveted position in wind bands and brass bands and enjoyed a regular solo spotlight in the Sousa Band. As more people experience its wonderful sound and amazing dexterity, they become devout followers and enthusiasts. I have worked tirelessly to promote the euphonium in concerts - by teaching, by commissioning new compositions, and by making recordings. This disc featuring euphonium with symphony orchestra has been a long term dream of mine and will certainly continue to elevate the euphonium’s reputation along with its companion recording, Majestic Journey [Naxos]. They are triumphs and represent the first complete recordings with symphony orchestra for the euphonium. I know you will enjoy the euphonium and spread the good word about this great instrument. And now, enjoy the music…

One of the elite young brass soloists in the world, ADAM FREY travels the globe invigorating the international music scene with his virtuoso talent, sensitive lyricism, and connection with audiences. Whether Adam’s performing with orchestras, wind bands, brass bands, or in solo recitals, audiences love his charismatic personality and accessible musical interpretations, and critics rave over his technical prowess and tenacious promotion of the euphonium. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Adam received his musical training at the University of Georgia and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. As a major young ambassador of the euphonium, Adam has more than 60 works that have been composed or specifically arranged for him.

Adam has an impressive catalogue of recordings that range from his first solo recording, Listen to THIS!! (with piano) to Collected Dreams, an enchanting collection of traditional Scottish, Irish and classical melodies (with synthesizer) to his pioneering recordings released with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra entitled Majestic Journey and Taking Flight. He also has partnered with a former trombonist with the Empire Brass, Scott Hartmann, along with the Metropolitan Wind Symphony and Lawrence Isaacson in Little Buckaroos, which exhibits two virtuoso soloists in lovely duets, including an entertaining rendition of the infamous Duelin’ Banjos. In 2007, Adam released Beyond the Horizons featuring new works for the euphonium, many specifically composed for him. He also appears on ten other recordings as a collaborative artist and has been a featured soloist in broadcasts on BBC Radio 2, Swiss Cable Radio, and on numerous NPR stations in the United States. Frey’s website, www.euphonium.com, contains information about concert activities, recordings, education programs, photos from his world travels, and serves as a hub of information about the euphonium.