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The Reykjavik Wind Quintet wows Vancouver audience
The Reykjavik Wind Quintet presented a concert in Vancouver on March 28th at Christ Church Cathedral, a beautiful edifice known for its ambience and fine acoustics.
The concert was a triumph! After welcoming remarks by Consul General Heather Alda Ireland, the enthusiastic audience of over 300 people gave the ensemble a warm welcome. The musicians, Bernhardur Wilkinson, flute, Dadi Kolbeinsson, oboe, Einar Johannesson, clarinet, Joseph Ognibene, horn and Hafsteinn Gudmundsson, bassoon. took their places in a semi circle on an elevated stage.
The concert began with the four movements of Mozart’s Divertimento #14 in B flat K.270. This was followed by Thorkell Sigurbjornsson’s Suite from Hraera which was written for the quintet and by Jacques Ibert’s, Trois Pieces Breves. The Quintet played arrangements of six charming Icelandic Folksongs by Pall P.Palsson and Traditional Folk songs from all five Nordic countries, ending with a spirited and amusing arrangement of A Sprengisandi by Sigvaldi Kaldalons. They moved on to three Mississippi jazz songs by Jim Parker which had the audience tapping their toes! Hungarian Dances by Ferenc Farkas completed the programme. Throughout the concert, Einar and Joseph took turns introducing each set of music, providing interesting information and anecdotes from past performances, thus enriching the musical experience of the audience.
Quintet with Consul General Heather Alda Ireland
The year 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the Reykjavik Wind Quintet. They met as members of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and continue to combine their work in the Symphony with their Quintet performances. The music we heard reflects this long standing relationship. What excellent musicians they are! They play as one, with perfect balance within the ensemble. Each wind player soloed several times during the concert, affording the audience the opportunity to “get to know” each player individually. The Quintet received a standing ovation at the conclusion of this special concert!
As ambassadors for Icelandic culture, the Reykjavik Wind Quintet travelled extensively with former President Vigdis Finnbogadottir and performed for England’s Queen Elizabeth, King Carlos of Spain and other foreign royalty and leaders. They have played in many international festivals and in prestigious concert halls around the world and have recorded for BBC, ABC (Australia) and on Bis, Chandos and other labels.
The concert was sponsored by the Consulate General of Iceland, Christ Church Cathedral and the Icelandic Cultural Foundation of British Columbia. The purpose of the Foundation is to raise awareness in B.C. of Iceland’s talented artists, musicians and writers, by sponsoring performances and exhibitions here and to assist talented British Columbians of Icelandic descent to perform or exhibit in Iceland. The concert by the Reykjavik Wind Quintet was the best possible way to launch the Foundation. The audience, drawn from the broad Vancouver population, were very impressed with the talent and professionalism of the five fine Icelandic musicians in the Reykjavik Wind Quintet. We are proud of them and pleased that they chose Vancouver for their Premiere performance in Canada.