MTD Events
Guest Artist Masterclass: Charley Lea, Trumpet
Date and Time
Saturday, January 31, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Sherman van Solkema Recital Hall
Description
Charley Lea, a native of Charlotte, Michigan, began his studies in
music when he was 10. He is a graduate of The University of Michigan
where he studied with Armando Ghitalla, Ramon Parcells, and Gilbert
Johnson. Charley joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as Second/Assistant
Principal Trumpet in 1991 and moved to the Principal Trumpet position
in 2015. He also has been a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra
since 1994.
Prior to joining the Grand Rapids Symphony, Charley was Principal
Trumpet of the Michigan Opera Theatre in Detroit and has appeared many
times with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He participated in the
Festival of Two Worlds in both Charleston, South Carolina and Spoleto, Italy.
As soloist, Charley has appeared several times with the Grand
Rapids Symphony. In 2009 he premiered a concerto for brass trio
composed by Jim Stephenson for the Grand Rapids Symphony. Charley is a
devoted teacher and maintains a private studio. He has served on the
faculties of Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Aquinas
College and Grand Rapids Community College.
This event has been tagged as arts, and music.
Contact
Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance
(616) 331-3484