Universal Brass Ensemble

Universal
Brass
Ensemble

Formed in 2013, Universal Brass Ensemble consists of members Tom Boulton (trumpet), Dan Wions (horn), and Yevgeny Morozov (piano). The name “Universal" was carefully chosen and has multiple meanings. It is well-accepted that music is the universal language. Not only does Universal Brass Ensemble strive to be universal in presenting that language through exciting and engaging performances that cover a wide variety of genres, composers, and time periods, but they also consider the core instrumentation of trumpet, horn, and piano as a universal and adaptable unit readily capable of collaborating with other instrumentalists. This malleability allows them to innovate and transform into a familiar yet original sound. Programs range in music from popular and chamber settings to full scale orchestral works. 

In addition to their mission as performers, they also highly value the educational aspect of music and how it has the power to enrich lives and communities. Universal Brass Ensemble presents performances and master classes at universities along with demonstrations and clinics at schools where they enjoy working with students of all ages. 

Tom Boulton
Trumpet

Appearing extensively throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, trumpeter Thomas Boulton maintains a very active performance calendar where he has performed with the New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and countless others.  As a freelance musician based in New York City, Tom has performed alongside members of the Canadian Brass, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, musicians on Broadway and makes regular appearances at prestigious concert halls including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.  Tom’s trumpet playing has been broadcast live on television to over 200 million homes internationally, heard on numerous National Public Radio programs, and on live concert stages in front of crowds exceeding 25,000.  As an educator, clinician, and recitalist, Tom appears at schools and universities across the country and is a published author in the International Trumpet Guild Journal.  A strong advocate for music in schools and a proponent of Aesthetic Education, Tom also works as a New York Philharmonic Teaching Artist where he currently teaches orchestral music to over 300 students in New York City classrooms.  

Tom holds degrees from Rutgers University (Doctor of Musical Arts), Manhattan School of Music (Master of Music), and Eastern Michigan University (Bachelor of Music).  His principal teachers include Kevin Cobb, Thomas V. Smith, Carter Eggers, and Michael Bowman.  He received additional individual instruction from trumpeting icons Håkan Hardenberger, Thomas Stevens, Gabriele Cassone, Stephen Burns, Edward Carroll, Jim Ross, Mark Gould, David Krauss, Peter Bond, Brian McWhorter, Ray Mase, and Robert Sullivan.  Tom has performed under notable conductors such as Charles Dutoit, Alan Gilbert, Marin Alsop, Lorin Maazel, and Kurt Masur.  He has recorded on the Sony Classical, Mark Masters, and Naxos Classical labels.

Dan Wions
Horn

Principal Horn of the New York City Ballet, Dan Wions performs repertoire ranging from orchestral, concert band, chamber music, and solo, to pop, rock, show tunes, and jazz. In addition to performing with the New York City Ballet, he works as a substitute musician with the Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and a handful of Broadway shows, while also serving as Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Ballet and Glimmerglass Opera in upstate New York. Wions can also be heard on the movie soundtracks for The Joker, Keeping Up With the Joneses, and A Dog's Purpose. He has been on numerous recordings on the Sony Classical and Naxos labels, as well as soundtracks for NASCAR and ESPN Productions. Outside of the Classical music realm, he has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Michael Bublé, Dave Brubeck, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Santana, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Patti Lupone, Anne Murray, Leann Rhimes, Mannheim Steamroller, Clay Aiken and Josh Groban.

Wions began studies on piano at the age of two, composition at age five, and finally the horn at age nine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in horn performance, with outside studies in piano and composition, from Indiana University. He has attended numerous festivals, including the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland and the Verbier Festival in Switzerland. His teachers include Joe Anderer, Michelle Baker, Myron Bloom, Scott Brubaker, Tony Cecere, Peter Gordon, Michael Hatfield, Phil Myers, Rick Seraphinoff, and Chris Wilhjelm. Currently, Wions splits his time between New York City and Philadelphia, performing, teaching, playing tennis and ultimate frisbee, and eating obscene quantities of organic raw fruits and vegetables.