Masterclasses
Masterclasses by world-class artist-teachers
– Subjects: Orchestral Excerpts, Jazz,
Contrabassoon, French Conservatory School
Historial Performance Practice, Standard Repertoire –
Martin Kuuskman, Bassoon Versatility is the Key
Preparing for a showdown – less is more – playing economically and ergonomically while being the best musician you can be. Find out how to deliver anything technical or musical with minimal effort while staying relaxed, using proper support and air resistance techniques, and thus getting the maximum out of your instrument, your reed and yourself! Performed works to be chosen from the following list: J.S. Bach Flute Partita, Bitsch Concertino, Boutry Interferences I, Dutilleux Sarabande et Cortege, Jacob Partita, Gotkovsky Variations Concertantes, Saint-Saens Sonata, Schnyder Sonata, Schumann 3 Romances, Schumann Fantasiestücke, Tansman Sonatina: Concertos: Mozart, Hummel, Weber, Jolivet Modern solo works by, Berio, Yun.
Estonian-born bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann counts as one of the leading voices on his instrument, performing repertoire landmarks from across the entire scope of classical music and avant-garde with celebrated orchestras like the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra on the one hand and world famous conductors such as Paavo Järvi and Dennis Russel Davies on the other. Kuuskmann’s exceptional artistry is documented in a steadily expanding recording catalogue that includes two Grammy-nominations.
Viola Wilmsen, Oboe Baroque and Classical Repertoire
Viola Wilmsen is principal oboist of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, having previously held the same position at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. In March 2022 she was appointed professor at the “Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler” Berlin. In 2009 she won the first prize at the prestigious International Sony Oboe Competition in Japan. As soloist and chamber musician she was invited to international concert halls and festivals and was awarded prizes as “Echo Klassik.” Guest engagements have taken her to orchestras such as Berlin Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, BRSO, Mahler Chamber Orchestra and all major German opera houses. Her multiple recordings have been highly praised by the press. She studied with D. Jonas, D. Wollenweber and J. Tys, is invited as a jury member for international competitions and gives masterclasses regularly in Germany and abroad.
Gordon Hunt, Oboe Orchestral Excerpts
Regarded as one of the world’s leading oboists, for over four decades Hunt has performed across six continents as soloist and conductor, also directing master classes and playing with renowned chamber ensembles. He is currently Principal Oboe of the London Chamber Orchestra and the World Orchestra for Peace, and formerly of the Philharmonia and London Philharmonic Orchestras. He has recorded twenty-six solo CDs, including the Richard Strauss concerto, which the Penguin Guide named as the finest version, and was the original Gabriel’s Oboe in the film The Mission. He has been Music Director of the Danish Chamber Players and the Swedish Chamber Winds. He is the Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, and a UNESCO Artist for Peace. He plays an XM oboe by Howarth of London.
Roger Soren, Contrabassoon Contrabassoon Excerpt Masterclass
The focus of the masterclass will be on tone, projection, proper fingerings and embouchure, as well as how to hold the instrument to keep away any stress. With a record number of Contrabassoon openings in major orchestras, Soren will work with students who have prepared major excerpts. The excerpts on Soren’s list include: Ravel: Mother Goose and Left Hand Concerto, Beethoven 5 and 9, Shostakovich 5th Symphony, Strauss Salome Main Solo.
Contrabassoonist Roger Soren joined the Colorado Symphony in 2011, after holding positions with the Louisville Orchestra, Indianapolis and Jacksonville Symphonies. He has also performed as a substitute with the Montreal, Cincinnati, Grant Park, and Nashville Symphonies. As a soloist, Roger performed the Contrabassoon Concerto by Daniel Dorff with the Colorado Symphony in 2019, the Louisville Orchestra in 1994, the IDRS Oklahoma Festival Orchestra in 2010, and the Symphony in C in 1998. An active teacher, Roger has taught at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, University of Denver, Western Kentucky University, Bellarmine University and Florida State University.
Michael Rabinowitz, Bassoon USA Jazz Swing Rhythms and Articulation
Rabinoowitz will present a 50-minute improvisation masterclass with an emphasis on jazz swinging articulation. In particular, the class will play exercises that will increase proficiency with rhythmic jazz phrasing. These exercises help surmount the challenges of the resistance of the double reed unique to oboe & bassoon.
For the last 40 years, Michael’s improvisatory skills on the bassoon have opened the door for the instrument to enter a variety of musical environments not associated with the instrument. He has recorded with Ira Sullivan, Red Rodney, Wynton Marsalis, John Hicks, Dave Douglas, Chris Potter, John Clark, Joe Lovano and Elvis Costello. His CD called Uncharted Waters released in 2018 has garnered glowing reviews. His participation at over 17 IDRS conferences continues to inspire bassoonists and oboists to push beyond the traditional roles of their instruments.
Toyin Spellman-Diaz, Oboe Using What You’ve Already Got To Get What You Want
Oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and her Master and Professional Studies degrees at the Manhattan School of Music. Her orchestral career includes performances with the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Orchestra of St.
Luke’s and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. An original member of Imani Winds, Ms. Spellman-Diaz has built her career as a champion of contemporary chamber music. She has also collaborated with some of today’s most influential chamber music ensembles, including Alarm Will Sound, the Antara Ensemble and Camerata Pacifica. She is on faculty at New York University and the Curtis Institute of Music, and is on the Board of Directors of American Composer’s Orchestra.
Sophie Dervaux Mozart Bassoon Concerto K191 and Orchestral Excerpts
Sophie Dervaux is the principal bassoon of the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Previously, she was the principal contrabassoon of the Berlin Philharmonic. Prizewinner of prestigious competitions includes the international ARD Competition Munich and the Beethoven-Ring Bonn.Ms. Dervaux performs as a soloist with many prestigious orchestras. She is currently teaching at the Muk – Music and Arts University of the city of Vienna.
Telma Díaz, Bassoion The Bassoon from Central America to the World
