Rolf Smedvig

Rolf Thorstein Smedvig (September 23, 1952 – April 27, 2015) was an American classical trumpeter of Norwegian and Icelandic ancestry. He was the co-founder of the Empire Brass brass quintet.[1]

Biography

Smedvig was born in Seattle to Egil, a composer and music teacher, and Kristin, a violinist. He joined the Seattle Symphony at age 13. In 1971, he participated in the summer music program at Tanglewood Music Center. Smedvig joined the Boston Symphony as an assistant principal trumpeter the next year, aged 19. At the time, Smedvig was the youngest orchestra member. He was promoted to principal trumpeter in 1979, and left in 1981 to focus on a solo career, conducting, and chamber music.[1][2]

Smedvig studied music under the tutelage of Maurice André at Boston University, where Smedvig later served as an instructor.[2]

His first marriage to Caroline Elisabeth Hessberg, the daughter of New York lawyer Al Hessberg,[3] ended in divorce. Smedvig subsequently married Kelly Holub in 1992, with whom he had four children.[1]

Smedvig died of a heart attack at his home in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 2015, aged 62.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fox, Margalit (May 1, 2015). "Rolf Smedvig, Trumpeter in the Empire Brass, Dies at 62". New York Times. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Huizenga, Tom (April 28, 2015). "Dazzling Trumpeter Rolf Smedvig Dies Suddenly". NPR. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Albert Hessberg 2d, Albany Lawyer, 78". New York Times. January 26, 1995. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Trumpeter Rolf Smedvig, known for 'beautiful sound,' dies at home". Berkshire Eagle. April 29, 2015. Retrieved May 2, 2015.