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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:
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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.
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
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 | ||||
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1988 |
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![]() Performing in Cracow, Poland |
![]() The Camerata at The Frederic Chopin University of Music, Warsaw Poland L-R: Roger Collins, Robert Koper, George Townsend, Gerald Carey, Michael Ericson |
1989 |
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1995 - Founder's Day |
![]() L-R: "Gerald Carey-flute, George Townsend-clarinet, Mark Avery-bassoon, Roger Collins-horn, Michael Ericson-oboe." |
1998-2007 |
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2002 Dedication of the COFAC Recital Hall |
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2006-2007 - 40th Anniversary Season |
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2008 The Camerata Woodwind Quintet |
![]() L-R:Virginia Broffitt-flute, Eric Ginsberg-clarinet, Randall Faust-horn, Douglas Huff-bassoon, and Michael Ericson-oboe. |
2012 | |
![]() The Camerata Woodwind Quintet at Galesburg Junior High School, Spring 2012 |
![]() Pontiac High School |
2017 | ||
![]() Pontiac High School |
![]() Pontiac High School |
![]() St. Charles High School |