Dutch ensemble Calefax Reed Quintet to play Vilar

In the world of classical music, it’s rare to find a group that can say they’ve created an entirely new genre. The Calefax Reed Quintet has done just that: pioneering the concept of a five-member reed ensemble and inspiring classical musicians around the globe.

The Calefax Reed Quintet will perform at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $68 for adults and $10 for student and can be purchased by calling 970-845-8497 or visiting http://www.vilarpac.org.

Formed more than three decades ago in the Netherlands, the Calefax Reed Quintet perform their own innovative arrangements, which are designed to suit a woodwind-only ensemble. By utilizing the distinct sounds of the oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet and bassoon, Calefax combines traditional classical music structure with a pop sensibility. Woodwind instruments have always been the most lively and buoyant parts of the orchestra. Calefax exemplifies this with their refreshing take on everything from Baroque music to modern jazz.

Calefax has won many major Dutch music prizes, including the 1997 Philip Morris Arts Prize, the 2001 Kersjes van de Groenekan Prize and the 2005 VSDC Classical Music Award. The quintet often tours internationally, having played concerts across Europe, as well as Russia, China, India, Turkey, Japan, South Africa, Brazil and the U.S. In 2013, Calefax accompanied the former Dutch Queen Beatrix on her final two state visits to Brunei and Singapore.

“Calefax – five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet,” praised U.K.’s The Times.

As part of the VPAC Winter Classical Series, Calefax is pushing classical music to new heights and delighting audiences worldwide with their energetic playing style. The program will include pieces by Locatelli, Janácek, Muhly, Gershwin and The Goldberg Variations.

via:: Vail Daily