Rather than classify the North American Horn Quartet (NAHQ), as a professional ensemble, one should think more of a Horn "section" of professional hornists. Collectively, the members of the NAHQ have been performing together and individually for a total of over 80 years! Charles McDonald, Ralph Wagnitz, Alan DeMattia, and Charles Powell have played as professional hornists with the highest quality ensembles and musicians in the world.
The group was first formed in 1971 at Akron University in Akron, Ohio, at The Firestone Conservatory of Music. At the time, horn instructor Charles McDonald sought a method to teach his students how to play together with correct style and musical concepts. The group of mostly students became so enthusiastic that they expanded the ensemble to include students from other universities and even free-lance hornists in the Northeast Ohio area. Many "sessions" went on for hours. It was the goal of playing musically that reached these young horn enthusiasts. This unique blend and style of horn performance exists in few ensembles today.
Charles McDonald
is a former member of Buffalo, Pittsburgh,
& Cleveland Orchestras, and
for the last 27 years has been both principal and third horn in the The Minnesota Orchestra.
While being a member of these orchestras he also taught at several colleges and universities. Ms. Barnett's concerto is one of two concerti that were written specifically for him. Ms. Theresia Perry wrote her
Concerto for Horn and Orchestra five years ago (1994) and it was premiered that year in Minnesota by Mr. McDonald.
Ralph Wagnitz is former 2nd Horn with The Cleveland Orchestra, 1972-1984. He performed as a utility hornist with Minnesota Orchestra from 1985-1990. His final years as a professional hornist were as Instructor of Horn and Conductor of the University Brass Choir at the University of Montana, and Principal Horn with The Missoula Symphony, 1990-92. Mr. Wagnitz is currently a playwright and composer having completed his first musical play "PUGET SOUND" in 2007. Visit Ralph Wagnitz' web site.
Alan DeMattia is currently Utility Hornist with The Cleveland Orchestra. He is an active chamber player and soloist throughout the world and also teaches at Cleveland State University.
Charles W. Powell, MD performed as a member of The South African Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra, 3rd horn with The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, The Royal Brass Quintet and The South Florida Symphony. Dr. Powell retired from music as a profession in 1993 and is currently a pediatrician in the Kansas City area. Visit Dr. Powell's web site.
About the composers and accompanist.