When someone claims to be the “world’s only” of anything, people take notice. In this case, the musical duo OboeBass claim to be the world’s only Oboe and Bass musicians playing duets with this combination of instruments. Adding to that, they play chamber music “…influenced by ethnic folk songs dances and All-American jazz.” This concert sounds both unique and entertaining. OboeBass performing "A Musical Journey" will be on stage at The Edge Center for a public performance and student program in Bigfork on September 27th. The public performance is at 7 PM and the costs are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Along with their claim of “the world’s only”, the OboeBass’ website announces, “Double Oboe. Double Bass. Licensed to Thrill”. That’s good marketing, but it also backed up by reputation. They have been called “pioneers” by Minnesota Public Radio for “forging ahead with a new chamber music combination”. The musician duo is Carrie Vecchione, playing the oboe, and Rolf Erdahl, playing double bass. The team dedicates much of their work to education with classes for young and adult students. They have CDs of music available and a very busy work schedule that goes beyond their OboeBass activities.
Carrie Vecchione shown above with a giant oboe reed gift from Paul Bunyan...probably the biggest oboe reed in the world. She plays the oboe in OboeBass. In addition, she teaches at the MacPhail Center for Music, subs with the Minnesota Orchestra, and appears as Principal Oboe of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. She received her Doctoral and Bachelor degrees from Louisiana State University, and her Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She also studied with Joseph Robinson, Earnest Harrison, and Mark Ostoich.
Rolf Erdahl plays double bass in OboeBass. Rolf above in a New Jersey sculpture gardens. He performs with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Minnesota Opera. He teaches bass at Luther College and Gustavus Adolphus College. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College, the University of Minnesota, and the Peabody Conservatory, and his work as a Fulbright Scholar in Norway, resulted in his doctoral dissertation being on the music of Edvard Grieg. He studied with Eugene Levinson, Peter Lloyd, Bruce Bransby, Paul Ellison, Hal Robinson, and James Clute.
To get a sample of OboeBass music click the links below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkEXzbHuOts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXCR54lr1Ao&feature=plcp
While in Bigfork, the duo will have a special concert for students. They devote considerable time providing music appreciation and education tailored to the ages of audiences. Called “Pages of Music with Rolf and Carrie,” this activity not only includes concerts, like the one that will be done in Bigfork, but residency programs for young people. For younger audiences, “We perform and demonstrate on our instruments, introduce basic musical concepts, and share children’s literature to show kids the creative power, beauty, and sheer joy that await them in the wild, wonderful, multifaceted world of music.”
For Adult Music Learning Series OboeBass provides several different programs to introduce music on a personal level. The adult series customizes the presentations to accommodate particular audiences. The program is well received and can be an excellent addition to activities of adults of any age. Although these programs are designed for adults, by the addition of younger audience members they work well for inter-generation presentations.
Music CDs available of OboeBass include “Askelad” and “The Seven Silver Ducks,” a traditional Norwegian folk tale, their debut CD came out in 2008 titled “It Takes Two” and "The Story of Barber the Little Elephant" .
The OboeBass duo is a very talented and creative pair. The Edge Center’s wonderful acoustics and comfortable seating should provide anyone who can make the performance an exceptional experience. The Edge also has hearing assistance devices available. Come and hear OboeBass and you will be entertained by a unique chamber music sound.
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