Event: Billy Ray Hunter Jr., principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York City, is in residence at the Butler School of Music until Feb. 12. His residency includes a performance on the university campus with the UT Wind Ensemble, under the baton of Jerry F. Junkin. Last year Hunter was named an “Outstanding Young Texas Ex” by the Texas Exes. During the concert, the school will present Hunter with the annual Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bates Recital Hall in the Butler School of Music
Tickets: At the door: $10 public, $5 students
Background: A rising star in the world of professional orchestras, Hunter holds the principal trumpet position with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and is assistant principal trumpet with the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra in Chicago. Since graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 1997 he has also held positions with the New World Symphony and the Spoleto Festival Italy Orchestra, and is a frequent guest performer with symphonies around the world.
Hunter will perform Johann Hummel’s “Trumpet Concerto” with the UT Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, Feb. 10. On Thursday, Feb. 11, Hunter and the UT Wind Ensemble will perform the work at the Texas Music Educator’s Association’s (TMEA) annual convention at the Harry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The convention is the largest gathering of music educators in the nation.
