American Brass Quintet Welcomes Brazilian Trumpeter Tiago Linck as its Newest Member
The American Brass Quintet (ABQ), widely recognized around the world as the premier American brass ensemble, adds Brazilian trumpeter Tiago Linck—the first Latin American member of the quintet—to its line-up. Mr. Linck takes the place of longtime trumpeter Kevin Cobb who joined the group in 1998 and has decided to step down.
Since its founding in 1960, the American Brass Quintet has performed on five continents, made nearly 60 recordings, and premiered more than 150 contemporary works for brass. The ensemble continues to commission works from leading composers as well as emerging composers to further the state of the art and expand the brass repertoire. In addition to their performing and commissioning work, the ensemble is committed to the development of brass chamber music through higher education. The ABQ has served as Ensemble-in-Residence at The Juilliard School since 1987 and at the Aspen Music Festival since 1970.
“From among the many excellent trumpeters that we heard in the course of our search, Tiago’s beautiful sound, musicality, personality and exemplary preparation clearly made him the best t for the quintet,” said ABQ’s Brandon Ridenour, Eric Reed, Hillary Simms and John D. Rojak. “He truly elevates the sound of ABQ and will be a great steward of our mission for years to come. We find him inspiring to perform alongside, as his dedication to both fundamental skills and transcendent beauty remind us why we play our instruments.”
"It is a tremendous honor to join the American Brass Quintet, an ensemble whose legacy has profoundly shaped the landscape of brass chamber music,” said Tiago Linck. “As someone who was deeply inspired by ABQ’s recordings throughout my formative years, becoming part of this remarkable group is both humbling and deeply meaningful. On a personal level, I am proud to be the first Latin American musician to join the ensemble and to have the privilege of contributing my voice and perspective to a group that has long championed innovation, artistic excellence, and the expansion of the brass repertoire. I look forward to building on that tradition—exploring new sounds, sharing music that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the Americas, and continuing to engage audiences with the bold spirit that defines the ABQ."
"Tiago brings a new perspective and new ideas to the group that we look forward to exploring,” said Ridenour, Reed, Simms and Rojak. “We can't wait to bring this new line-up to audiences around the world as we continue delving into new frontiers in brass repertoire.”
About leaving ABQ, Kevin Cobb said, “After more than 25 years with the American Brass Quintet, I’ve made the di cult decision to step away and begin the next chapter of my life as I shift focus toward evolving personal priorities. It’s been an extraordinary privilege to be part of ABQ — an ensemble whose mission, artistry, and legacy have profoundly shaped not only my career but my identity as a musician. I’ve always admired the work of ABQ and the high standard it set for brass chamber music. It was an honor to play alongside such dedicated and visionary colleagues, and contributing to the ensemble’s legacy over the years has been deeply meaningful to me."
"I extend a warm welcome to Tiago Linck," Cobb continued. "I’m confident that he will match the remarkable musicianship of the group, bring his own fresh ideas, and continue its tradition of excellence. To quote a saying I’ve always carried with me: 'If I’ve seen further, it’s by standing on the shoulders of giants.' That’s exactly how I’ve felt during my time in ABQ — and I know Tiago will feel the same as he joins this storied ensemble.”
About Tiago Linck
One of his generation's leading musicians, Tiago Linck (b. 1987) is a Brazilian trumpeter whose dynamic artistry and expressive versatility have earned him international recognition as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. In 2025, he was appointed as the newest member of the American Brass Quintet and joined the faculty of The Juilliard School, becoming the first Latin American to hold a permanent position in the ensemble’s distinguished six-decade history.
Originally from Porto Alegre in the south of Brazil, Tiago served as Principal Trumpet of the Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra from 2009 to 2024. During his tenure, he recorded two acclaimed albums highlighting the music of Brazilian composers such as Heitor Villa- Lobos and Radamés Gnattali. He also toured extensively with the orchestra, performing in nearly every city in his home state, as well as in other regions of Brazil and across Latin America, including major venues such as Sala São Paulo and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. His exceptional artistic leadership and musicality have also earned him numerous invitations to appear as a soloist with the orchestra. In addition to his role as Principal Trumpet, Tiago performed in dozens of solo and chamber music recitals, actively participating in the chamber music series presented by the institution.
Tiago made his solo debut at age 12 with the Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra, after winning the orchestra’s Young Soloists Competition. He won this competition again at 16, launching a professional career that led to performances throughout the Americas and Europe. Over the past 20 years, Tiago has performed as a soloist and recitalist in Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, the United States, and Uruguay. He has shared the stage with leading ensembles, including the Goiânia Symphony Orchestra, Theatro São Pedro Chamber Orchestra, Ulbra Chamber Orchestra, Unisinos Orchestra, and University of Caxias do Sul Symphony Orchestra, among many others.
A passionate advocate for chamber music, Tiago co-founded the Quinteto Porto Alegre in 2013, a brass quintet formed by principal players of the Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra who shared a deep enthusiasm for brass chamber repertoire. With this ensemble, he performed concerts and led residencies across Brazil and South America, establishing the group as a reference in the genre and inspiring the creation of new brass quintets throughout the region. The Quinteto Porto Alegre premiered dozens of works by Brazilian composers, actively contributing to the development and expansion of the national brass chamber music repertoire.
After relocating to New York in 2023 to re ne his artistry under David Krauss, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tiago earned two prestigious scholarships during his studies at Manhattan School of Music: The Rochlis Family Foundation and the Walter W. Naumburg Foundation Scholarships, as well as the Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition award. Earlier, in France, he graduated from the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Nice with the Mention Très Bien et Félicitations à l'unanimité du Jury, the highest distinction awarded by a French conservatoire, while receiving tutelage from renowned brass pedagogues Patrick Carceller and Pierre Dutot.
Since moving to the United States, Tiago has quickly gained national recognition through collaborations with ensembles like the Artosphere Festival Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, Orchestra Lumos, and Either/Or Ensemble, among others. In 2024, he was a prize winner of the Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions (SOPA) Excerpt Competition in the Brass and Percussion category.
An advocate for music education, Tiago served as trumpet professor at the Porto Alegre Symphony Music School from 2014 to 2023. He has also taught at prestigious music festivals and schools across Latin America, such as the SESC International Music Festival, Pará International Music Festival, Isla Verde Bronces International Brass Festival in Argentina, São Paulo State Music School, and the International Jazz Trumpet Festival.
In addition to his appointments with the American Brass Quintet and Juilliard, Tiago will join the New Jersey Symphony as Third/Utility Trumpet for the 2025–2026 season.
Tiago lives in Manhattan with his wife, Jéssica, and their son, Miguel. In their free time, they love exploring and enjoying the beautiful parks throughout New York City.
