Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

The Cumberland Quintet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1972 at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. The group was formed by five faculty members of the university's music department who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to bring it to audiences in the region. The original members of the Cumberland Quintet were Dr. David Hamilton (flute), Dr. Robert Shankovich (oboe), Dr. John Hill (clarinet), Dr. James Lotz (bassoon), and Dr. Roy Holder (French horn). All five were accomplished musicians with extensive experience performing in orchestras and chamber groups. From the beginning, the Cumberland Quintet was committed to performing a wide range of classical music, from Baroque to contemporary. The group's repertoire included works by composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky, as well as lesser-known composers from around the world. Over the years, the Cumberland Quintet has undergone some changes in membership, but it has remained a vital part of the music scene in Tennessee and beyond. Some of the group's most notable members have included Dr. Karen Clarke (flute), Dr. John Kilkenny (percussion), and Dr. Mark Ostoich (oboe). One of the highlights of the Cumberland Quintet's career was its performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1984. The group was invited to participate in the Kennedy Center's American College Theater Festival, where it performed a program of works by American composers. The performance was well-received by both the audience and the critics, and it helped to raise the profile of the Cumberland Quintet on the national stage. In addition to its performance at the Kennedy Center, the Cumberland Quintet has also been invited to perform at numerous other prestigious venues and events. These have included the International Double Reed Society Conference, the National Flute Association Convention, and the Tennessee Music Educators Association Conference. Over the years, the Cumberland Quintet has also received numerous awards and honors for its contributions to the world of classical music. These have included grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Cookeville Arts Council, as well as awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the National Flute Association. Despite its many accomplishments, the Cumberland Quintet has remained committed to its original mission of bringing classical music to audiences in Tennessee and beyond. The group continues to perform regularly at venues throughout the region, and it has also released several recordings of its music. Overall, the Cumberland Quintet has established itself as one of the premier classical music ensembles in the United States. Its commitment to excellence, its diverse repertoire, and its dedication to bringing classical music to new audiences have made it a beloved institution in the world of chamber music.

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