Mar 21, 2024 By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger 4 min read

The beloved River City Brass Band (RCB), which also has the distinction of being the only professional full-time brass band in the country, is bringing a unique performance to four locations in Southwestern Pennsylvania this April.

Called Pictures at an Exhibition, the concert is inspired by the visual arts, with selections like “Night on Bald Mountain,” “Mona Lisa,” “Vincent” and “Viva La Vida.”

Artistic and General Director James Gourlay, said that the audience will be in for a treat with songs that range from the 1800s up through the present, demonstrating the band’s commitment to dynamic and contemporary performances to attract a diverse audience.

“It’s an eclectic mix of music from classical, to pop and jazz, all of which have a connection to the visual arts in one way or another,” said Gourlay, adding that the audience are likely to recognize everything from Bach, to Lady Gaga.

The Journey of an Artistic Director

Gourlay began honing his musical chops at a young age in his home country of Scotland.

“I learned the tuba at age 10,” Gourlay said, remarking on when he was “volunteered” to play in the school brass band and assigned the instrument due to his tall height. He later went on to play in symphony orchestras in Europe and taught in major conservatories of music, all the while sharpening his skills as a conductor and musician.

It’s no surprise to Gourlay that conductors are among the longest-lived individuals. While the natural conclusion is to assume longevity is born from being around soothing music, Gourlay is quick to point out that conducting is an aerobic exercise by itself.

When reading reviews of RCB, it becomes evident that both fans and fellow musicians are happy to pay homage to the talent that has earned him international acclaim and recognition among the “Top 30 Professionals of the Year” by Musical America. It’s no wonder that he’s been in demand to perform with major orchestras around the globe.

Gourlay said the time was right to make a move when RCB put out an international search. When he accepted the position in 2010, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“It turns out the city of Pittsburgh really embraced me,” he said.

4barsrest, which touts itself as “the most visited brass band website,” commented on Gourley’s contribution to RCB.

“He has clearly built up a great rapport with regular subscribers, as well as the ever-growing Pittsburgh-area audience,” said writer Katie Urich.

Ticket Holder-Turned Volunteer

Nancy Truver and several members of her family were season-ticket holders for multiple years pre-pandemic.

“Those were red-letter days on our calendars, and we never missed a concert,” she said, adding that the musicians play a good mix of familiar favorites and new tunes during themed performances. She said that she likes the fact that the director breaks up the program throughout the evening with various instrument solos, along with vocal and/or dance numbers. “I don’t think there is another professional musical organization like them — certainly not in this area with a director that has Gourlay’s background and qualifications.”

Now that Truver has retired, she’s returned as a volunteer to help the audience to their seats.

“It’s fun, it’s useful and it keeps me busy and on my toes for that half-hour or so before the concert begins. Plus, [the venue] is conveniently located only a few minutes away from where I live,” she said.

Truver says she believes that she speaks for many when she says that the concerts add richness to the Pittsburgh region.

“They bring a variety of music to the neighborhoods where people can drive, socialize with friends and hear old songs they’re familiar with, along with new ones as well. It builds a sense of community and that’s something we’re in particular need of these days,” she said.

Gourlay said that he feels the love and appreciation from the Pittsburgh audiences and each time the band performs, they try to touch them in some way.

“For the older audiences, it may be Nat King Cole that takes them back with ‘Mona Lisa.’ For the younger, it could be ‘Vincent’ by Don Mclean, or ‘Viva la Vida,’ by Coldplay. All of the tunes mean something to me as I look back on my life, and I hope they will resonate with the audience as well,” he said.

If you go:

River City Brass will play at 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

April 4 -Linton Middle School, Penn Hills

April 5 -Carson Middle School, McCandless

April 6 -The Palace Theatre, Greensburg

April 9 -Bethel Park High School, South Hills

Tickets are available at rivercitybrass.org.