Arts & Culture

Years ago, in the late 1970s, Chuck Berginc joined the San Antonio Symphony as the orchestra's second trumpet. Chuck's career later took him to several years as principal trumpet in the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico and more recently (if 30 years can be considered recent) principal with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra as well as principal trumpet for the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.

Ever wonder what it takes to become a successful professional trumpet player? Everyone has their own story, so here is Chuck's, in his own words (and notes).

Each week on World Music (Saturday nights from 8-10 on KSTX 89.1 FM), I take a look at festivals happening around the world along with the music of the cultures. This week, supernatural celebrations abound in Mexico. 

CONGRESO DE BRUJOS

Catemaco, Mexico lies on the Gulf of Mexico in Veracruz. Normally a sedate, drowsy little town, it becomes the center of witchcraft next weekend. The National Congress of Witches will be underway.

In the hurly-burly of a Piano competition there are selections that can make or break the chances of a competitor; pieces so difficult or dense that only a master musician can make them work for the audience and more importantly, the judges.

On the Piano this Sunday, we continue with music from the 2012 San Antonio International Piano Competition where two of the pianists "go big" in an effort to convince the judges that they have what it takes to be worthy of the gold medal.

Debussy

Got an idea for a classical cartoon or a reaction to this one? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Pablo Helguera is a New York-based artist working with sculpture, drawing, photography and performance. His new book is Helguera's Artunes. You can see more of his work at Artworld Salon and on his own site.

The William C. Hall Pipe Organ Competition turns 42

Saturday, March 2, undergraduate and graduate organists will compete for the 42nd annual Hall Pipe Organ Competition in San Antonio. This year there are a record number of entrants, something unusual for the competition, since sometimes they are unsure of whether or not they will get the minimum of five competitors!