The University of Wisconsin-Superior Music Department will welcome musicians Kaju Lee, piano, and David Cooper, trumpet, from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, for its University Recital Series on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Thorpe Langley Auditorium.

“This program consists of four works each 10 to 15 minutes in length,” said Cooper, associate professor of trumpet and jazz studies. “My collaborator, Kaju Lee, suggested we look into finding works by underrepresented composers. Our aim is to continue to bring this kind of music to audiences and hope that it eventually gains the wider recognition it deserves.”

The concert will include “Tromba Suite for Trumpet and Piano,” by Ulysses Kay; “Concertino for Trumpet and Piano,” by Ida Gotkovsky; “Sonata for Trumpet and Piano,” by Norman Dello Joio; and “Sonata for Trumpet and Piano,” by Adolphus Hailstork.

“Contemporary concert music can be challenging to listen to,” said Cooper. “The tunes and melodies aren’t always as obvious as more commercial music can be. I suggest audience members listen for motives that reoccur in different configurations and fascinating complicated rhythms. Don’t expect to tap your foot or sing along to what we play. However, I believe emotions and moods of all varieties will be expressed so be open to those kinds of experiences.”

Cooper has performed in Beijing, Foshan, Macau, New York, Munich, Vienna, Stockholm, at the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the New York Brass Conference, and is an active soloist and clinician with regional schools, jazz festivals and community ensembles.  

Lee, assistant professor of piano pedagogy and collaborative arts, has performed in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Philippines, South Africa, South Korea and throughout the United States. Her performances have been broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Radio Korea (Seattle, Washington), WRGC (NPR in Milledgeville, Georgia) and the Busan Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation in South Korea.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Thorpe Langley Auditorium is in Old Main, 1710 Weeks Ave.