In an environment in which the arts are strong and widely supported,
oboists tend to be few and far between. The University of Iowa
School of Music has borne an oboe master class series of a scope
and magnitude so as to foster greater communication and fellowship
of oboists. The series has introduced many great artists to the
Midwest while introducing the midwesterners to the world's great
oboists.
In October 1992, the University of Iowa launched the first-of-its-kind
OctOBOEfest: A Weeklong Double Reed Workshop. Events varied from
recitals to lectures and master classes by University students,
faculty and guest artists.
Dr. Cynthia Green-Libby, Oboe Professor at Southwest Missouri
State University began the week with an informative lecture, "A
Musical Journey Through the History of Women Composers."
This was followed by an intriguing recital of works by women composers
in collaboration with her pianist, Dr. Diana Grueninger. The recital
included works by Libby Larsen, Madeleine Dring, Williamette Spencer,
and Roselyne Masset-Lecocq.
Elaine Douvas, Principal Oboe with the Metropolitan
Opera of New York, opened her three hour master class with a solo
performance of the 2nd Solo de Concert by Stanislas Verroust.
Her performance exemplified her teachings throughout the class.
Oboists from around the state performed in the master class while
the audience was urged to participate in acknowledging the
transformations that occurred.
The Double Reed Ensemble of Iowa presented a recital with
original works by Albinoni, Powning, Lange and Wagenseil, as well
as new arrangements by Greg Morton of works by Chopin, Albeniz,
and Koepke. David Greenhoe, University of Iowa Trumpet Professor,
was the soloist for the Albinoni concerto.
Mark Weiger presented a faculty recital with the assistance
of David Nelson, Director of the School of Music, and the Stradivari
String Quartet. Works performed included the Crusell Divertimento
and the Mozart Quintet, K. 406 for oboe and string quartet, the
Martinu MazurkaNocturne for oboe and string trio and the Gilbert
Porsch Nocturne for English horn and
piano.
Robert Sorton, Oboe Professor at Ohio State University
and founder of the double reed group
OBOHIO, presided over a chamber music master class in which double
reed ensembles and woodwind quintets performed. His observations
were both positive and instructive. Mr. Sorton's energy in directing
music and musicians is to be commended.
OBOHIO followed with an evening recital. The members include
Robert Sorton, oboe; P. Bailey Sorton, oboe d'amore and baryton;
Sarah Hamilton, English horn; and Christopher Weait, bassoon.
They offered a diverse program of original works that illustrated
their lyrical and dramatic ability as well as their outstanding
ensemble skills. They have given presentations at the
Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention, International Double Reed
Society Conventions, and the Ohio Music Educators Conference.
Christopher Weait, Bassoon Professor at Ohio State University,
member of OBOHIO, and past principal bassoon with the Toronto
Symphony, presented a bassoon master class. His teaching and performance
strengths obviously stem from a desire to be enriched by others.
He proved to be very informative and open to the sharing of ideas.
Andrea Gullickson, Oboe Instructor at the Northeast Missouri
State University and Cornell College in Iowa, brought the week's
festivities to a close with a recital. The program included the
Mozart Quartet, Arnold Fantasy for solo oboe, Lalliet Carnival
of Venice, and Schumann Fantasiestuck for oboe d'amore.
During the OctOBOEfest week we managed to make contact with over
800 visitors. GEM Woodwind Products of Colorado, Midwest Musical
Imports of Minneapolis, West Music and Eble Music of Iowa City,
helped to provide a little something for everyone with their generous
displays. The high caliber of the guests, the strong performances
by the University and visiting
students, coupled with the support of the local community and
the University of Iowa School of Music, helped to make the first
OctOBOEfest a true success
Past guest artists of the University of Iowa Oboe Master Class
Series include Bert Lucarelli, Ronald Roseman, Alex Klein, William
McMullen, Marion Arthur, Heinz Holliger, Ray Still, Imogen Triner,
Matt Dine, Hexagon, Moran Woodwind Quintet, and Joseph Robinson.