Eric Ewazen's 'Ballade for a Ceremony (A Marriage Ballade)' for the Trumpet and piano was commissioned by Jason Adams as a gift for his friend, Matthew Bickel, in celebration of Matthew's marriage to Christine Sodero Bickel. The work was premiered by Steve Haase at Matthew and Christine's wedding ceremeony in the summer of 2000 at Christian Community Presbyterian Church in Bowie, Maryland.
