WVU Laureate Wind Quintet performs annual recital

The West Virginia University Laureate Wind Quintet performed their semiannual recital for an auditorium full of students in the Creative Arts Center Tuesday.

The quintet is made up entirely of WVU professors playing their instruments of expertise.

Many of the performers’ students made up the audience as they showcased their abilities, providing them with a sample of what a premier ensemble sounds like.

"It’s a requirement, but it’s always inspirational, and you kind of get an idea of what you are supposed to sound like, and it helps you grow as a musician," said music student Emily Watkins.

"I really like the energy they have as a group. And when they perform they get the audience into the music, and it’s just really enjoyable and relaxing to listen to."

Tuesday’s selection included Irving Fine’s "Partita", "Summer Music, Op. 31" by Samuel Barber and Jean Francaix’s "Wind Quintet No. 1".

The quintet is made up of flutist Nina Assimakopoulos, oboist Cynthia Anderson, clarinetist John Weigand, bassoonist Lynn Hileman and horn player Virginia Thompson.

"We picked three pieces in the program. They were all pretty difficult pieces, but they were all difficult for different reasons. We chose the music because of the level of virtuosity but also because the audience-friendly aspect of it," Assimakopoulos said.

"This particular setup of instruments is interesting because you get to hear each instrument individually but then as a blended group, as well."

The quintet comes together twice a week, taking time out of their busy schedule to practice. Every semester the group performs a concert at WVU, as well as other venues around the nation.

"Collaborating in chamber music is one of the very best things that wind players get to do," Anderson said. "Rehearsal is always different because there are five different personalities with very heavy workloads. It’s almost an oasis because we can walk away from some of the demands from our teaching loads … and get to sit down and play music, and that is very special."

The performance was lively and pleasant, showcasing each musician’s individual talent while blending each instrument into one cohesive sound.

"My professor is the bassoonist in the quintet, and I really enjoy hearing her play. It usually inspires me to do better and practice more," said Ida Cawley. "I enjoyed the interaction between the professors, how they communicated and stayed together as an ensemble was really interesting. I like to watch them and learn from that."