Saturday night I heard wind quintet Valinor Winds perform in a small church venue in the Inner Sunset. The agreeable program began with a short, charming piece by Nino Rota, followed by Anton Reicha's Wind Quintet in E-flat Major, in what clarinetist Brenden Guy described as "the 15 minute version." The musicians all stood to perform Berio's Opus Number Zoo, which requires them to declaim the text of 4 child-like poems by Rhoda Levine, as well as play. Though the subject matter is conflict & war, the piece comes across as cute. After intermission we heard a genial version of Grieg's Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, arranged by Mr. Guy. The program ended with Barber's Summer Music, & I enjoyed hearing this florid & often sultry music. The musicians took turns speaking to the audience between pieces. Mr. Guy explained that Valinor Winds was originally a student ensemble at the SF Conservatory of Music & that this was their first time presenting their own full-length concert. There is something very polite about the way quintet's members all listen to each other & maintain a good ensemble, no one instrument ever dominating. Their overall sound is smooth & pleasing. The event had an easy-going atmosphere. A reception with drinks and snacks immediately followed.
§ Wind-ter Wonderland
Valinor Winds
Sasha Launer, flute
Jessica Huntsman, oboe
Brenden Guy, clarinet
Alexis Luque, bassoon
Caitlyn Smith, horn
Nino Rota: Petite Offrande Musicale
Anton Reicha: Wind Quintet in Eb Major, Op.88 no.2
Luciano Berio: Opus Number Zoo
Edvard Grieg: Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, arr. Brenden Guy
Samuel Barber: Summer Music
7th Avenue Performances
7th Avenue Presbyterian Church
Saturday, January 19, 2013, 7:30pm
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