On Thursday night, the Waynesburg Performing Arts Series presented their first free concert of the school year, with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s own Mark Houghton performing for students. He performed at the Goodwin Performing Arts Center, better known as the GPAC, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night. Event organizer Eric Brewer talked about the event in more detail.

“Thursday’s concert featured one of the French Horn players from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  Mr. Mark Houghton has been a leader in the brass world for 20 years.  He brings to our campus the sound of an instrument not often heard in recital.  The French Horn is considered one of the most distinct and unique brass instruments and is often heard in a variety of ensembles from band, orchestra and woodwind quintet,” said Brewer. 

Houghton performed works from composers such as Eugène Bozza, William Grant Still and Margaret Brouwer. Houghton said that this performance is a little different from those he has with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. 

“I thought it was a great opportunity, this is not the type of performing that I usually do I’m usually kind of in the back of the orchestra so when I got the opportunity and I had the time in my schedule I figured it would be good to take advantage of that, so Waynesburg has made it worth my while, and so it’s a good way for me to try something a little different outside of the box and get back into shape because we (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) are starting our season next week,” said Houghton prior to his performance.

Houghton also stopped by before his performance to lead a “Masterclass,” which allowed students to perform and get advice and help from Houghton.  Brewer describes Masterclasses as “a central part of any musician’s development.” 

When asked why he did the Masterclass, Houghton said, “I think it’s an obligation, you know, that if I was going to come play it makes sense that if I can help provide some guidance or inspiration or help other players I mean that’s what people did for me so happy to do it, seems like a natural piece of the puzzle.”

For those that may have missed this performance, Brewer and the Waynesburg Performing Arts Series will be presenting another concert featuring the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass section performing their Holiday Brass Spectacular. Tickets can be purchased online for those interested.