Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Netherlands

 

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1985. The ensemble is made up of members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and is dedicated to performing chamber music for wind instruments. The founding members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists were Wim van den Broek (flute), Ronald Karten (oboe), Henk de Graaf (clarinet), Wim Vos (bassoon), and George Wiegel (horn). These musicians had all been playing together in the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and decided to form a chamber music ensemble to explore the repertoire for wind instruments. Since its founding, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists has become one of the leading wind ensembles in the world. The ensemble has performed at major concert halls and festivals throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States, and has recorded extensively for major record labels. The main members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists have changed over the years, but the ensemble has always maintained a high level of musicianship and artistry. Some of the current members of the ensemble include Emily Beynon (flute), Olivier Patey (oboe), Julien Hervé (clarinet), Gustavo Núñez (bassoon), and Martin van de Merwe (horn). One of the highlights of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists' career was their performance at the 1994 Concertgebouw Chamber Music Festival in Amsterdam. The ensemble performed a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, and received a standing ovation from the audience. Another notable performance by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists was their appearance at the 2006 BBC Proms in London. The ensemble performed a program of works by Stravinsky, Poulenc, and Ravel, and was praised by critics for their precision and musicality. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1990, the ensemble won the prestigious Dutch Music Prize, which is awarded to the top musicians in the Netherlands. The ensemble has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings, including their 2003 album of Mozart's wind serenades. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has established a wind ensemble academy in Rotterdam to train the next generation of wind players. Overall, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Soloists is a world-class ensemble that has made significant contributions to the chamber music repertoire for wind instruments. With their virtuosic playing and commitment to musical excellence, the ensemble continues to inspire audiences and musicians around the world.

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