Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet

Soni Ventorum
Longest-serving Members

Felix Skowronek (1935–2006), Flute
Laila Storch (1921–2022), Oboe
William McColl (1933–2024), Clarinet
Arthur Grossman, Bassoon
David Kappy, Horn

Prior Membership

James Caldwell (1939–2006), Oboe, member from 1962 to 1965
Christopher Leuba (Pictured in photo above), horn, member from 1962 to 1963 and from 1968 through 1979
Robert Bonnevie, horn, member from 1963 to 1967
Alex Klein, oboe, member from 1992 to 1994
Rebecca Henderson, oboe, member from 1996 to 1998
Peter Kern, Flute, member from 1966 to 1968
Sidney Rosenberg, bassoon, member, 1977 – 1978 season
David Sternbach, horn, member, 1967–1968 season
Dan Williams, oboe, member, 1995–1996 season
Tad Margelli, oboe, frequent guest

Website
www.soniventorum.com

The Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet was an American wind quintet that was officially founded in 1962 when Pablo Casals asked its members to become the woodwind faculty of his newly founded Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.[1] It is known worldwide for its many international tours sponsored by the United States Department of State including three tours of South America[1] and three of Europe. Over 25 original chamber works for winds have been written for the members of Soni Ventorum including compositions by Claude Arrieu,[2] William Bergsma,[3] Jean Francaix,[4] Gerald Kechley, Joseph Goodman,[5] John Verrall, and William O. Smith.[6] In 1972 the quintet won the silver medal at the International Instrumental Ensembles Competition (Festival Villa-Lobos) in Rio de Janeiro.

The group had a long and stable history. Through its concerts,[7] tours, and recordings, the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet established an international reputation.[8] For many years (beginning in 1968)[9] Soni Ventorum was also the wind quintet-in-residence at the University of Washington School of Music.[10]

  1. ^ a b Johnson, Wayne (9 October 1974). "U.W. Ensembles back from tours" (PDF). The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  2. ^ Arrieu, Claude (1980). Suite En Quatre: Pour Flûte, Hautbois, Clarinette Et Basson. Paris: G. Billaudot. pp. Musical Score.
  3. ^ Bergsma, William. Symmetries. USA: Southern Music Co. pp. Musical Score.
  4. ^ Françaix, Jean (1978). Seven impromptus for flute and bassoon. New York: Mainz: Schott. pp. Musical Score.
  5. ^ Goodman, Joseph (1975). Five Bagatelles. Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y: General Music Pub. Co. pp. Musical Score.
  6. ^ Smith, William O. Eternal Truths for Woodwind Quartet. USA: MJQ Music. pp. Musical Score.
  7. ^ Johnson, Wayne (28 March 1969). "Soni Ventorum Gets N.Y. Raves" (PDF). The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  8. ^ Henahan, Donal (25 March 1969). "Quintet Masters Schoenberg Piece" (PDF). The New York Times. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  9. ^ Dunphy, Mary Elayne (22 September 1968). "Wind Quintet Joins U.W. Music School" (PDF). The Seattle Times.
  10. ^ Lyden, M. C. (2000). The story of the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet.