<o Winds, an acclaimed woodwind quintet based in Colorado, will perform Sunday, May 17, beginning at 3 p.m. in the Carleton College Concert Hall. Known for their artistic sensitivity and eclectic performances, Antero Winds has been attracting attention worldwide. Featuring compositions by Verdi, Piazzolla, Berio and Klughardt, the concert is free and open to the public.
The quintet’s oboist, Sarah Mellander, is 2002 graduate of Carleton, who graduated with a degree in music. Other members include Cobus Du Toit (flute), Jerome Fleg (clarinet), Megan Garrison (French horn), and Kaori Uno (bassoon). The group came together at the University of Colorado, Boulder. In addition to performing for their Rocky Mountain community, the Antero Winds travel the globe seeking to perform, compete, and educate— always striving to present performances that are as interesting and satisfying to music connoisseurs as they are to those with little exposure to classical music. The distinct backgrounds, personalities, and styles of the quintet’s members combine to create the Antero Winds’ signature blend and performance style.
The program will include Overture to La Forza del Destino by Giuseppe Verdi, often regarded as one of Verdi’s finest compositions; Milonga sin Palabras and Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, an Argentine composer and bandoneón player credited with establishing the “nuevo tango” style of music; Opus No. Zoo, a four movement work by Lucio Bera and based on text by Rhoda Levine; and Wind Quintet in C major, Op. 7, an expressive and colorful piece by German composer and conductor August Klughardt.
The quintet received first prize at the Plowman Chamber Music Competition and a silver medal at the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. In 2008, they were the only U.S.-based semi-finalists at the International Chamber Music Competition in Lyon, France. Individual members of the group have also won numerous prizes at solo competitions worldwide. The group had their New York debut in January 2009 as part of the Schneider Concert Series.
Educational outreach has brought the quintet to schools and communities throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to ongoing performances and residencies in Colorado, the quintet has traveled to Caracas, Venezuela, where they worked with students at a local FESNOJIV (nationally sponsored youth orchestra) school. These educational programs play a central role in the Antero Winds’ mission, and the quintet is constantly seeking new opportunities and approaches to share their passion for music with students and community members of all ages.
This concert is sponsored by the Carleton College Department of Music. The Concert Hall is located near First Street and Winona Street in Northfield. For more information or disability accommodations, call (507) 222-4347.