The Atlantic Brass Quintet, one of the finest ensembles in the world, will come to UB tomorrow for a dynamic five-day residency.

Founded in 1985, the ABQ launched its career with a phenomenal string of competition victories, including the coveted First Prize at the International Brass Competition of Narbonne, France. The group performs a unique repertoire spanning five centuries of music, and includes ethnic music from the streets of Brazil, Cuba, the Balkans and New Orleans. Its distinctive sound, impeccable ensemble, stunning virtuosity and warm, inviting stage presence have won the quintet praise from critics and scores of admirers.

The ABQ's residency activities in Buffalo will encompass both educational and performing venues. Clarence High School will be the beneficiary tomorrow of a morning of master classes and workshops.

Internationally recognized trumpeter Jon Nelson will join the ABQ for a recital at 8 p.m. Saturday in Slee Concert Hall on the North Campus. The performance will feature music ranging from Renaissance composer William Byrd to works by Frank Zappa. A variety of pieces by Lutoslawski, Bach, Alvin Etler, UB's David Felder and Oscar Boehme will round out the program.

The ABQ will hold a master class for UB band students at 4:30 p.m. Monday in 250 Baird Hall. The class is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, the ABQ will join the Slee Sinfonietta at 8 p.m. for a concert featuring works by Felder and Varese, as well as composer Kurt Weill's rich and beautiful Violin Concerto.

The concert will celebrate the centenary of the birth of Weill with a performance of his powerful, but rarely heard, Violin Concerto. The soloist will be the multi-award-winning, Russian-born violinist Movses Pogossian, who, due to the overwhelming response to his all-Bach solo violin recital last year, will be completing the Bach set on Nov. 3.

The remainder of the program will include Felder's La dura fria hora—with a nod to poet Pablo Neruda for the title, and arranged for brass by Jon Nelson—and Déserts by French composer Edgard Varése. This unique Sinfonietta concert will be made up entirely of winds and brass.

Speaking for the quintet, tuba player John Manning said the group is "thrilled to be able to perform on such a prestigious venue as SUNY Buffalo, which has such a widely known reputation for performing contemporary music. We are doubly excited to be joining trumpeter Jon Nelson, who was a member of our group last year."

Regarding the residency activities, ABQ trombonist John Faieta added: "When we tour, we always try to focus on working with young aspiring musicians in the community—it helps keep alive the art."

Single tickets for both concerts are $12 general admission, $9 for seniors and UB faculty, staff and alumni, and $5 for any student with a valid ID. For tickets, call 645-2921.