The ensemble played Andrew Downes’ Symphony No. 5:
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Professor Walfrid Kujala spoke in a quiet voice as he introduced the Northwestern University Flute Ensemble at the Regenstein Hall of Music Wednesday night.
“Most of our concerts are informal affairs,” he said to the small gathering in the recital hall. “But this time we’re doing it for keeps.”
He then turned to the ensemble and added with a smile: “That means no mistakes.”
Professor Kujala started the Northwestern University Flute Ensemble roughly six years ago, accompanying a music movement he said is growing nationwide.
“I felt that the students [at Northwestern] needed to get acquainted with flute choir music,” he said.
Practicing together once a week, the group meets for studio class every Wednesday. They also replace an orchestral techniques session with ensemble and section rehearsals in the spring, said ensemble member Sarah Pernick, a third year flute performance major.
A flute player for about 10 years, Pernick joined the Northwestern flute studio as a sophomore in 2005.
“I love it,” she said. “The flute ensemble is something new, something different.”
With 18 flautists ranging from piccolo players to bass flute players, four variations of flute are represented in the ensemble. Half of those musicians played the ensemble’s first piece Wednesday night, Serenade for Flute Nonette, by Lawrence Ink.
The group’s second selection required an instrument with a lower pitch, a contrabass flute. Unfortunately, no one in the ensemble plays that particular instrument. Enter bass clarinetist Joel Wallgren, a 21-year-old senior majoring in clarinet performance. After being asked to help the flute ensemble at the end of January, Wallgren has rehearsed with the group at least three times.
“I enjoy playing with different groups, and I like working with [Professor] Kujala,” he said. “I’ve known him for a few years.”
Wallgren joined Kujala’s team just for this concert, playing in Symphony No. 5, opus 79 for Flute Orchestra, a piece by Andrew Downes.
After all four movements of the piece were played, Kujala acknowledged audience applause.
“We forgot to rehearse an encore,” he said with a grin.
Wednesday evening’s performance was flute ensemble’s most formal concert so far, different from the group’s usual relaxed performances.
Pernick reflected on the group’s rapid development.
“Last year our final performance was at a master class,” she said. “We’re not going to plan anything too big now, but it may keep growing after this concert.”