I got my bachelor and master’s degrees at the New England Conservatory of Music; played down in the subways of Boston, a tough crowd at the end of a long day of work. Now I teach flute at the University of St. Thomas and freelance in Minneapolis, performing with the Skylark Opera and Vocalessence, as well as the Minnesota Orchestra.
I was asked to join the Musical Offering at the end of the 2001 season after playing a few concerts as a guest performer. I have had such fun playing with this group, and was thrilled when they asked me to become a member. It made my year, honestly.
Among my favorite works we’ve played together are the Debussy Trio for Flute, Viola and Harp (2000-2001 season). I think it is the best chamber music work written which includes the flute. A lot of times composers will stay away from any character besides cute or light music when the flute is involved. The Debussy is a beautiful and melancholy work. I truly enjoyed every minute of it: rehearsals and the concerts. Everything just fit together so effortlessly. That just doesn’t happen very often.
The Musical Offering offers killer receptions, with a delightful selection of wine, water, crackers, cheese, tastefully displayed by our fantastic volunteers. If that isn’t enough, I believe the Offering is one of the oldest chamber music groups in the Twin Cities! (I am generally vague with facts, but still throw them around like I know what I’m talking about. One fact I am sure of: I live with six cats!)
To those who aren’t familiar with our music, I say, come and see for yourself! Chamber music is a great way to first experience classical music because the audience is so close to the performers. They can hear each individual’s sound, they can see fingers fly, hear breathing between each phrase, see bow hairs breaking, and if they’re lucky, even see spit pouring out the end of the wind instruments!
Knowles Dougherty
I am the coordinator of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s “Chamber Music and Dessert” special interest group (of about 135 seniors on my emaililng list). I started this about 5 years ago shortly after moving to the Twin Cities. So, for 5 years now, I have been including all the concerts of The Musical Offering on the schedule I make up for this group. Eleven of us attended your concert yesterday (January16th) and all agreed it was the best ever, in large part due to your flute. One of our group brought her 14-year-old granddaughter who is playing flute in the band at Eastview High School (Apple Valley). She was thrilled.
I am so impressed with The Musical Offering, I am going to suggest to my professional violinist sister (who just moved to Austin, Texas) that she put together a similar group there. As an avid chamber music listener, I think the concept is a real winner, with the capability of putting on very unusual and always varied concerts. Of course Sundin Hall only adds to the whole experience. What a gift the Sundins made to the Twin Cities with that place.
Good luck and thanks for the great performance yesterday.