TROMBONANZA in Argentina
By Irvin L. Wagner
Argentina may be at the “bottom of the world” in relation to its location at the southern tip of South America, but it is certainly at the “top of the world” when putting on a trombone event such as TROMBONANZA.
TROMBONANZA took place August 21-26, 2006, in Santa Fe, Argentina, and was a great success. In fact, year after year, TROMBONANZA is one of the most significant trombone events offered in the world. Ruben Carughi always does the organization of TROMBONANZA while also serving as the host, and Enrique Schneebeli takes care of many of the musical considerations. They are a perfect team and are great people as well. Also to be mentioned is Gaspar Licciardone who has taught all of the great players in Argentina and is a "godfather" to all. He is a remarkable man and has made an extremely valuable contribution to the whole realm of trombonists everywhere.
TROMBONANZA owes much of its success to the fact that everyone from the “professional players and teachers” to the “young players” have an opportunity to participate in every activity. Everyone gets to play, perform, listen, and enjoy. In South America there is little chance for young people to play in ensembles, so playing together at TROMBONANZA is very valuable for all both musically and socially. TROMBONANZA has such a great spirit about it with outstanding performances of high quality players and wonderful group participation. The whole week is an important trombone event and a significant South American occasion for all.
Many people contribute to the success of the week-long event, but in addition to Ruben Carughi and Enrique Schneebeli the name of Remigio Periera from Paraguay needs to be recognized. Remigio is one of the best jazz players to be heard anywhere, and he organizes many jazz related masler classes and performances at TROMBONANZA as well as being the star of Jazz Night.
Pablo Fenolgio from Argentina also deserves recognition. Pablo has to be one of “hottest” classical players in the world at the
moment as was evidenced by his performance of the Nino Rota ”Concerto” with the Santa Fe Symphony conducted by Irvin Wagner. Carlos
Ovejero from the National Symphony in Buenos Aires also gave several outstanding performances and certainly deserves recognition.
The tuba portion of TROMBONANZA is likewise fantastic with Vasile Babusceac heading that up. Vasile did his studies in St. Petersburg, Russia and played in Moldavia for several years before returning to Argentina. Another person that assists in such a unique way is Kevin Roberts from Chile. Kevin is an extraordinary trombonists in Chile, but also is a master teacher and translator. He is always helping with organizational items, translating between Spanish and English for those who need it, and performing superbly in various ensembles. Also, providing a contribution was Rinato Farias from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
International guests who participated in TROMBONANZA include Eckhard Treichel of Germany, Nathaniel Brickens of the United States, and Irvin Wagner of the United States. Treichel gave several extremely well prepared master classes on fundaments of playing, and the participants gained much from these presentations. Nathaniel Brickens, a recent past-president of the ITA, had responsibility for conducting the trombone ensembles that were put together at TROMBONANZA. His work was super, and the large choir was thrilling. Irvin Wagner not only assisted with TROMBONANZA but also conducted the Orquesta Sinfonica de Santa Fe in a concert with Pablo Fenolgio as guest soloist performing the Nino Rota “Concerto.”
The organizers and participants of TROMBONANZA deserve much praise for hosting and supporting such a magnificent occasion. TROMBONANZA is unique as a trombone festival and is super in every way. With 150 participates from Columbia, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, TROMBONANZA has made a major impact on the trombonists of South America and will continue to do so year after year.