Intercultural Music Initiative

IMI Chamber Players are excited to share about our newest project, a live recording featuring new music by the composer Fred Onovwerosuoke (aka FredO) - the Serenades No. 1 and 2 for Wind Quintet.

Here's a little background on the Serenades: The Serenades for Wind Quintet draw inspiration from Africa’s rich storytelling traditions. The truly epic tales—Les Grands Contes (No. 1), as they are nostalgically called in many French-speaking regions—provide a vast and varied canvas for sharing beloved folklore, recounting ancient history, teaching societal values, and imparting wisdom to younger generations. For children, no tale feels complete without the familiar songs, chants, and dances that carry the story forward. Sagesse (No. 2) evokes a council of elders, each taking a turn to exhort, advise, or lead the communal dialogue that guides a community toward resolving conflict. Moments of jubilant outburst often mingle with stretches of quiet introspection. Danse Guérison (No. 3)—reimagined from the composer’s third Rhapsodies for Wind Quintet, is a hearty nod to the frenzied healing rituals practiced among the Forest Peoples in Central Africa.

The recording will be released soon. Check www.imusici.org for more information. Sheet music is available at https://ampublishers.org/products/serenades-ww1-3/
Bravo to our musicians: Wendy Hymes (flute and piccolo), Carrie Smith (oboe), Mary Bryant (clarinet), Hank Skolnick (bassoon) and Christina Schempf (horn) with Maestro David Hodgkins as music director and co-produc