Stellar Line-up for the Martinborough Music Festival

“Zephyr Wind Quintet Part of stallar line up for Martinborough’s Music Festival to be held betweeen 29 September and October 1st. A soft gentle breeze” is among the many definitions used to describe the word zephyr. To the uninitiated it is difficult to imagine that a group of instruments (flute, oboe, horn, bassoon and clarinet) which differ from each other considerably in technique, construction and tonal qualities could play together to produce such a beautifully blended sound. But indeed they do as if powered by a “soft gentle breeze”.

The wind quintet, popular since the late 18th century has had an extensive repertoire written for it. These compositions show off the versatility and tone variations for which these ensembles are now known. They are an established music grouping on chamber music circuits.

Zephyr Wind Quintet is made up of musicians who are past or present section principals in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO).

Ed Allen – French horn is well known to Martinborough locals. Recently retired from his positon as section principal with the NZSO, Ed is busier than ever performing on contract with several orchestras as well as with Zephyr. Ed was awarded an MNZM, 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to the NZSO.
Bridget Douglas – Flute. Ms Douglas studied flute at Victoria University before going to New York and Chicago for further studies. She is Section Principal Flute with the NZSO.

Rachel Vernon – Bass Clarinet. Ms Vernon studied in London and on completion freelanced with several orchestras including the Bournemouth Symphony , Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and Scottish National. She has been Principal Bass Clarinettist with the NZSO since 1995.

Robert Orr – Oboe. Robert is an established recital artist and soloist. In this latter role he has appeared with the Southern Sinfonia, New Zealand Chamber Orchestra and with the NZSO. He is Section Principal Oboe with the NZSO.

Robert Weeks- Bassoon. Robert was a foundation member of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. After several years playing in Australian orchestras and freelancing in New Zealand, Robert is now Section Principal Bassoonist with the NZSO.

The programme for this virtuoso wind quintet has not been finalised yet. What is known is that some members of Zephyr will join the Vesa-Matti Leppanen String Quartet to perform the beautiful Schubert Octet in F major.
Winifred Bull