Perry Brennan and Zhiwei Feng Named UMN Bands Concerto Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 University of Minnesota Wind Band Concerto Competition Perry Brennan (MM, Tuba) and Zhiwei Feng (DMA, Saxophone). 

Brennan will perform Edward Gregso’s Tuba Concerto with the University Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Feng will perform Ballade by Henri Tomasi with the Symphonic Band in the 2026 fall semester - exact date TBD.

Thank you to applied faculty members Dr. Duncan, Professor. Campbell, and Professor. Davis for mentorship and guidance. Additional thanks and congratulations to Casey Rafn and Michael Min for their excellent piano accompaniment for all competitors.

Artist Bios 

Native to the Twin Cities, Perry Brennan is recognized for his rich tone, musical sensitivity, and dedication to artistic excellence on the tuba. Perry has performed with several local ensembles, including the Grand Symphonic Winds and Sheldon Theatre Brass Band. He currently serves as the Principal Tuba of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Steven Amundson.

Perry earned his Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance from Concordia College in Moorhead, where he studied under Doug Neill and Nat Dickey. He began his Graduate studies at the University of North Texas, where he studied with Don Little, before transferring to the University of Minnesota to complete his Master's in Tuba Performance under the guidance of Steve Campbell. 

Through his work as a performer, student, and teacher, Perry strives to cultivate a dynamic and expressive approach to the tuba, contributing to the vibrant orchestral and chamber music communities of the Twin Cities.

Zhiwei Feng is currently a second-year Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, studying classical saxophone under the guidance of Dr. Preston Duncan. In 2022, he began his Master of Music studies at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the United Kingdom, where he studied with Professors Gerard McChrystal and Melanie Henry. During his master’s studies, he received numerous awards, including First Prize at the UK International Music Competition, the Manchester International Music Competition, and the Cambridge Music Competition, as well as Second Prize at the 12th Vienna International Music Competition for Young Musicians. 

Prior to his studies in the UK, he attended the Conservatoire National de Musique Jacques Thibaud in France, where he studied with Professor Marie-Bernadette Charrier and earned his diploma in 2017. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain under the tutelage of Mr. Andrés Gomis Mora.