Report by Chastine Hofmeister
The Backun Artist Recital was held on Thursday, August 4 at 1 p.m. in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre and featured three works for clarinet quintet. Each of the three clarinetists on the program was joined by the talented Miró Quartet. The Miró Quartet was formed in 1995 and is based in Austin, Texas. Their members include Daniel Ching and William Fedkenheuer (violin), John Largess (viola), and Joshua Gindele (cello).
Eugene Mondie with the Miró Quartet
Eugene Mondie, acting principal clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra, began the program with his elegant rendition of Mozart’s Quintet in A Major, K. 581 (1789). His performance seemed effortless and his amazing command of the dynamic range made this a gorgeous beginning to the concert. Raphael Sanders, professor of clarinet at the Crane School of Music – SUNY Potsdam was next on the program with Alexander Glazunov’s Reverie Orientale (1886). Glazunov later arranged this work into his Two Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 14. Written in one movement, the clarinet opens the piece all alone and is soon joined by a lyrical and haunting string part.
Bil Jackson and the Miró Quartet
Associate Professor of Clarinet at the Vanderbilt Blair School of Music, Bil Jackson took to the stage to say a few words before the final piece. He took a moment to thank the conference hosts, the International Clarinet Association, and Backun Musical Services for sponsoring the performance. He performed the Weber Quintet in B-Flat Major, Op. 34 (1815). Bill’s beautiful technique and high energy really dazzled the audience and made for an excellent finale.
Chastine Hofmeister is currently the second clarinetist with the Monroe Symphony in Louisiana. She has also recently performed with the Dallas Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic, and Midland-Odessa Symphony.
