The Camerata Woodwind Quintet

The Camerata Woodwind Quintet

Founded in 1966, the Camerata Woodwind Quintet was the first chamber music ensemble in residence at Western Illinois University. Over the past half century, the group has presented performances and clinics throughout the region, the nation, and the world.

The current members of the Camerata Woodwind Quintet are:

Suyeon

Paul

Eric

Jena

Andrea



Mission Statement

The Camerata Woodwind Quintet’s mission is to engage with students and the community through the medium of music. Our core goals are to educate and strive for excellence, creativity, and inclusivity in our efforts to connect with the diverse student body through performances, workshops, and outreach initiatives. The ensemble aims to create memorable experiences, foster meaningful connections, and contribute to the cultural enrichment of our campus and community by sharing our passion for chamber music.

Dedicated to serving the WIU campus and engaging the community, every year the Camerata Woodwind Quintet visits schools throughout the Tri-States region of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The Camerata engages with students through performances, clinics, and workshops.

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National and International Outreach

The Camerata Woodwind Quintet has appeared in Festivals and performances throughout the United States and abroad. Its recent performances include performances at the Conference of the National Flute Association and The Symposium of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors. The international profile of the Camerata Woodwind Quintet also includes performances in collaboration with members of the famed Reykjavik Woodwind Quintet on the Western Illinois University Campus at the International Horn Symposium in 2009 and the Summer Music Institute in 2011.

The Camerata has a rich history of international outreach, performing in countries including: Poland, Yugoslavia, Mexico, and China.

Camerata Upcoming Events - FALL 2023

  • November 1, 7:30 PM, COFAC recital hall
  • December 11, 7:00 PM, Macomb Arts Center

Camerata Upcoming Events - SPRING 2024

  • March 6, 2024 7:30 PM, COFAC recital hall

Camerata Upcoming Events - SUMMER 2024

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Upcoming concerts and events will be updated when availble.

Camerata Woodwind Quintet -- from Wind Quintet I. Allegro con Moto by Paul Taffanel

Camerata Woodwind Quintet -- from Aires Tropicales II. Son by Paquito D'Rivera


Discography

The Camerata Woodwind Quintet has received critical acclaim for its many recordings. In 2005, the premiere recording of the Quintet no. 2 by Anthony Iannaccone, as well as Quintets by Hetú and Steinmetz was released on CRYSTAL Records. Early recordings of the Camerata Woodwind Quintet were groundbreaking in the area of chamber music education. These include the famous recordings on the Music Minus One, Coronet Records, and Pinebrook labels.

1970

Carnegie Carnegie Carnegie Carnegie Carnegie

September 23, 1971 - The Camerata Woodwind Quintet in Mexico

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mexico mexico mexico

L-R, Roy Lawrence, Gerald Carey, George Townsend, Carlos Chavez, Robert Koper, Roger Collins and Malcomb Toon, United States Ambassador to Mexico--at the Ambassador's residence in Mexico City at a Concert and Reception honoring Carlos Chavez.

1980

The Camerata Woodwind Quintet with oboist James Brody: James Brody was the oboist with the Camerata Woodwind Quintet from 1981-1986.Highlights of that period included a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall as well as a performance trip to China

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Gerald Carey-flute, James Brody-oboe, George Townsend-clarinet, Roger Collins-Horn, and Robert Koper-bassoon

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James Brody-oboe, Robert Koper-bassoon, George Townsend-clarinet, Gerald Carey-flute, Roger Collins-Horn

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At Carnegie Hall(2nd visit!) - Gerald Carey, Robert Koper, Roger Collins, James Brody, George Townsend

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At Carnegie Hall

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At Great Wall of China

Conservatory5

At Conservatory

Departure

Departure

Playing

Playing on Tour


1988

Poland2 Cracov

Performing in Cracow, Poland

Warsaw

The Camerata at The Frederic Chopin University of Music, Warsaw Poland

L-R: Roger Collins, Robert Koper, George Townsend, Gerald Carey, Michael Ericson

1989

1989CWQ2

1995 - Founder's Day

FoundersDay95

L-R: "Gerald Carey-flute, George Townsend-clarinet, Mark Avery-bassoon, Roger Collins-horn, Michael Ericson-oboe."

1998-2007

Pastorale

2002 Dedication of the COFAC Recital Hall

2002CWQ

2006-2007 - 40th Anniversary Season

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2008 The Camerata Woodwind Quintet

2008_11CWQ

L-R:Virginia Broffitt-flute, Eric Ginsberg-clarinet, Randall Faust-horn, Douglas Huff-bassoon, and Michael Ericson-oboe.

2009-2011

International Collaborations: The Camerata Woodwind Quintet andThe Reykjavík Woodwind Quintet

On Thursday June 4, 2009, members of The Camerata Woodwind Quintet performed at THE 41st International Horn Symposium with Hornist Joseph Ognibene of The Reykjavík Woodwind Quintet.

IHS41

L-R:Virginia Broffitt-flute, Eric Ginsberg-clarinet, Joseph Ognibene-horn, Douglas Huff-bassoon, and Michael Ericson-oboe

Art works

2011 - Original Drawing by WIU Art Professor Bruce Walters.

2012

Galesburg

The Camerata Woodwind Quintet at Galesburg Junior High School, Spring 2012

Galesburg

Pontiac High School

2017

Pontiac High School

Pontiac High School

Pontiac High School

Pontiac High School

St Charles HS

St. Charles High School