For the first time in history, musicians represented the University of Hawaiʻi at the International Double Reed Society (IDRS) Conference held in Flagstaff, Arizona. Last summer, the event was attended by world-class musicians and featured performances by a double reed quartet from UH Mānoa.
The quartet—Erin Matsushita (oboe), Emily Fujii (English horn), JP Ovens (bassoon) and Michael Martin (contrabassoon)—performed under the guidance of their coach, UH Mānoa music lecturer Marsha Schweitzer. Their program featured an arrangement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 7 in C Major and “Aloha ʻOe,” the beloved composition penned by Queen Liliʻuokalani.
“Being surrounded by so many bassoonists and oboists was truly unique,” said Fujii. “…performing with the double reed quartet in Arizona, I felt really lucky.”
Double-reed heaven
The IDRS conference, a haven for double-reed musicians, offered workshops, lectures, and performances. Martin described the event as “incredible,” especially his chance to play in The Contra_Band, a 27-member contrabassoon ensemble. Meanwhile, Ovens was inspired by the variety of instruments and accessories.
“There were so many instruments and accessories to try out—I think I tried every bassoon on Earth within those few days,” Ovens explained.
Despite the excitement, Flagstaff’s high altitude posed unexpected challenges.
“I think this was the biggest obstacle we faced in terms of playing. My lungs had difficulty accommodating the altitude, and the dry air did all sorts of weird things to our wooden reeds and instruments,” Matsushita said. “We got through it and I’m very happy with what we accomplished!”
Coach Marsha Schweitzer applauded their resilience and talent: “The group did a wonderful job. I’m honored to have worked with these dedicated musicians.”
For more and to listen to the quartet’s performance go to the UH Mānoa music department website.
—By Nicole Ikeda Cossi
