Russian Wind Quintet: February 2004
After the conclusion of the Russian National Orchestra's tour - with a concert at Carnegie Hall - the Quintet strikes out on its own.
Day 2: New York to Connecticut
| February 4 was sunny and crisp in New York City. The trip started with a challenge: the troupe's baggage load is much heavier and more voluminous than expected. Our minivan is packed to the gills and riding low, making for a cozy three hour drive up to Wesleyan University (perfect for a nap!). |  |
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The first order of business upon arrival in Middletown (where the Quintet was generously hosted by Wesleyan's Center for the Arts) was rehearsal. The Quintet was to perform the following day with Chris and Danny Brubeck (that's Chris at right, on the piano). While Chris and the Quintet musicians had corresponded for months over email, they had never met, much less rehearsed together. (In foreground, Andrey Shuty on clarinet and Andrey Snegirev on bassoon.) Here, they rehearse Chris' Crescent City Suite, which they will perform together for the first time the next day. |
| Danny Brubeck on drums. Alexei Serov on french horn. |  |
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Rehearsal was followed by two hours of interaction with Wesleyan music students, first in a graduate colloquium on composition (with composers Andrey Rubtsov and Chris Brubeck participating), then in informal master class sectionals. Left, Alexei Serov provides instruction on a tough french horn section of Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries. |
Day 3: Wesleyan University
| After a good night's sleep, it was time for more rehearsal and a sound check in the newly-renovated Wesleyan Chapel, site of the Quintet and Brubeck Brothers' noon concert. The acoustics were marvelous and the beautifully restored organ provided a romantic backdrop. |  |
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Flutist Maxim Rubtsov. More rehearsal for the Quintet alone, and, below, with Chris Brubeck, who practices his trombone solo in Blue Rondo a la Turk |
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The noon concert program included (oboist and composer) Andrey Rubtsov's Three Moods, Bach's Air, Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite, an arrangment of Dave Brubeck's Blue Rondo a la Turk, and Chris Brubeck's Crescent City Suite. Chris also offered his fun jazz piece, The Might Mrs. Hippy. The progression from Bach to Brubeck proved a huge success, and there was twice the expected attendance. Wesleyan University President Douglas J. Bennet (center) attended and congratulated the musicians after the concert. |
Next stop, Guilford! ...
Photography by Paul Richardson