Chautauqua Tea features world premiere of music

By JENNIFER BRUMMETT
Staff Writer

When musician Stephen K. Charpié takes the stage at West T. Hill Community Theatre for the Chautauqua Tea performance Thursday, he essentially will be presenting the world premiere of music performed by the 7th Cavalry Band, "Custer's Own." Additionally, he will be performing on the E-flat cornet that was played by General George Armstrong Custer's bandmaster, Felix Vinatieri.

Charpié and The New Custer Brass will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the death of Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn through music and oral history.

"I will relate the remarkable story of how a little-known Italian musician in the Dakota territories was chosen personally by General Custer to lead this illustrious band," explained Charpié of the Chautauqua Tea presentation.

The music will add an interesting facet to the music of the Great American Brass Band Festival.

"The music itself is deeply rooted in rich Italian opera tradition," Charpié explained. "The pieces themselves have unusual but meaningful titles, which I will discuss, and they will be performed by The New Custer Brass Band.

"The presentation will be similar but less formal than my presentation at the history conference. It will be a perfect opportunity for Danville and local residents to get a `jump' on the activities of the brass band festival."

The instrument Charpié will be playing also will be of interest to tea attendees.

"Although musicians attending the festival often play antique instruments, the E-flat cornet that I will be performing on is the actual instrument played by Custer's bandmaster, Felix Vinatieri, and one that Custer himself heard," he noted. "It was present when the 7th Cavalry went down to defeat at the Battle of The Little Bighorn.

"Immediately upon finishing the festival, this instrument will be sent back to The Territorial Museum in Yankton, S.D., where it is in the permanent collection -- and on loan to me. After that, this incredible instrument will probably never be played again. It will be available for close inspection."

The tea will be held at two times this year at The Tea Leaf: 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with the performance at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for full tea and performance. Reservations are required. For more information, call (859) 236-7456.