Windsong Quintet was formed in 2015 from a group of like-minded wind colleagues keen to explore and expand the offerings for this combination of instruments. They have fast established a reputation for innovative programming and insightful commentary in their concerts throughout Adelaide and the Hills. In their first 5 years Windsong Quintet were proud to be supported by the Royal Commonwealth Society, who provided funding for multiple concert series each year during this time.

 

Windsong have received reviews commending their 'beautiful blend and balance'. They have also toured throughout regional Australia as part of a chamber orchestra with Co-Opera - Opera on the Move. Some highlights include concert series in the Little Music Room, SALA festival events, collaborations with the Amicus Strings and the Accompanist’s Guild to stage the Carnival of the Animals. Windsong players were proud to be a part of an exciting recording project of the late SA composer Alison Burrell’s canon of avant-garde works, workshopping these compositions with the composer prior to her untimely passing.

 

After a hiatus during the Covid-affected years, Linda Pirie, founder, Artistic Director and flautist commissioned South Australian composer Jodie O’Regan to write a work for the Quintet. The result was Elegy for a Grieving Ocean for quintet, baritone and percussion. Inspired by the dark whaling history of the Fleurieu region, this haunting work explores the environmental impact of this industry in the area and includes a responsive sound to light multimedia created by Emlyn O’Regan. Windsong were able to workshop this new piece in 2023 thanks to a Space to Create grant from Chamber Music Adelaide (CMA). We are now excited to relaunch the quintet and premiere this work in 2024 as part of CMAs On the Terrace series in the Adelaide CBD. There are also plans for a regional tour to Langhorne Creek and Burra, as well as bringing the piece ‘home’ to Victor Harbor, the place which inspired its inception.

 

Windsong members includes:

 

Linda Pirie – Flute

Steph Wake-Dyster – Clarinet

Jo Bridgman – Oboe

Tim Rosen – Bassoon

Heath Parkinson – French Horn