Lewis-Clark State College President James Hottois will narrate during the Chestnut Brass Company's musical piece "Portrait of a Civil War Soldier" when the quintet performs in Lewiston Saturday.
The quintet is known for its search through history to find the music and instruments that tell the story of brass. Their collection of musical instruments is a museum exhibit including over-the-shoulder horns, sacbuts (the forerunner of the trombone), double-bell euphonium, a helicon and the father of the trumpet, Renaissance cornettos.
The piece "Portrait of a Civil War Soldier" was arranged specifically for the quintet. Through the use of antique instruments, Civil War era music and a narration based on letters and diary entries of a young Civil War soldier, they bring history alive.
"When we made the contract arrangements for the Chestnut Brass, we were asked to invite a narrator to read the Civil War piece. They suggested a teacher, or minister someone used to speaking in public and with a good voice," said Leslie Esselburn, Center Stage director. "The next day, we were introduced to Dr. Hottois, the new president of
LCSC, whose deep bass voice makes an immediate impression. I knew I had found the perfect narrator."
The concert is part of the Lewis- Clark Center for Arts & History Center Stage Series. The quintet performs at 8 p.m. in the Lewiston High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12.50 for adults, and $9.50 for senior citizens.