Find out where to go in summer to meet and play:

Austria: Donau Brass Festival 2013 30.05. - 02.06.2013

Portugal : details to come 22.07. -27.07.2013

Norway: details to come 28.07. - 01.08. 2013

Argentina: Trombonanza  2013 5.8.-10.8.2013

Austria: Bläserurlaub Bad Goisern 25.8. - 31.8.2013

WORKSHOP TOUR

with Schagerl Instruments in Germany

24. April   Musikhaus Frei    Markoberdorf   , Start 18.30

25. April    Musikhaus Klier   Nürnberg   , Start  18.00

26. April   Session Music      Walldorf   , Start 16.30

Fontana opts for solo future

21-Sep-2012
The great Argentine trombonist announces retirement from banding to expand solo career.

After what he described as, ‘seven wonderful years’ as principal trombone with Brassband Oberösterreich in Austria, the great Lito Fontana has told 4BR that he has made the difficult decision to retire from the band.

Phenomenal

The phenomenal Argentine has become one of the most popular players in world banding since making his debut in 2005.

Ever since, his sublime mix of engaging personality and breathtaking performing skills have wowed audiences all over the world – from Europe to South Africa and in the future, back in his homeland once more.

His critically acclaimed CD release, ‘When I Walk Alone’ was nominated as one of the 2011 4BR Solo CDs of the Year.

Difficult

He told 4BR: "After seven wonderful years with Brassband Oberösterreich I have taken the difficult decision to retire from my position as principal trombone of the band.

I have enjoyed a really a great time, but it is now the turn for someone else to take over. I owe the band and everyone with them so much. I have been fortunate to expand my playing career to such an extent that I can now enjoy collaborations with other European brass bands and as a soloist."

South American tour

In fact, Lito is currently preparing for a return to his homeland in South America, with a solo tour to showcase the new Schagerl Fontana trombone which has been specially designed for him by the renowned instrument makers.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to show off the trombone back in my homeland. It has a real great sound - warm and soft, and fits to every kind of music I want to play. It’s a tour that I am really looking forward to."

Banding return

Thankfully, Lito still wants to perform with brass bands – and even perhaps with some in the UK.

"I would love to be able to play with some of the great brass bands in Britain," he added.

"There is such a wonderful tradition and such great players that I admire. Perhaps I can perform here in the future to say thank you for the wonderful welcome I have always been given in the country."

Fantastic Fontana enjoys spotlight

5-Jun-2012
The brilliant Lito Fontana has been enjoying a bit of personal spotlight of late.

4BR has caught up with one of the banding world’s great trombonists, who has been busy of late both playing and teaching.

Stars

Lito Fontana is one of the stars of Brass Band Oberösterreich’s amazing concert performances, although recently he has been enjoying a moment or two in spotlight himself.

Guest soloist

He recently performed as the guest soloist with the Youth Brass Band of Upper Austria as part of the prestigious Schagerl Festival at Grein in Austria, where he also led a series of masterclasses with fellow trombonist Stefan Schulz from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to some very lucky students.

Later this month Lito will join forces with Brass Band Oberösterreich as they perform as the featured Gala Concert artists at the ITEC Conferece in Linz.

Modest

Lito remains one of the most modest people you would ever like to meet, and as ever he made sure he paid tribute to his great friend.

He told 4BR: "It’s a great honour to be able to perform at both the Schagerl and ITEC Festival events, especially with such a wonderful player as Stefan.”

see also http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?offset=25&id=15278#.T9jiMsX4JQo