The Wildflower Quintet, by Jenni Brandon, Performed by The Cosmo Reeds In Milwaukee Wisconsin

The Wildflower Quintet, by Jenni Brandon, was performed by The Cosmo Reeds in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 11, 2022, 7:30 pm in the Music Recital Hall, Peck School for The Arts. The performance was part of the Milwaukee Saxophone Studios Chamber Music Ensembles. You can listen to the performance on YouTube at https://youtu.be/HE5G7xf9V0o.

“The Cosmo Reed quintet is an all-female ensemble that was formed in Milwaukee, WI. The mission of the ensemble is to highlight the works of underrepresented composers and bring greater attention to the reed quintet repertoire. The Cosmo Reed Quintet has most recently performed as an opening act for Ogni Suono at the Jan Serr studio. Other performances include performing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Still Waters United Methodist Church. The ensemble has recently competed in the MTNA chamber division.(Music Teachers National Association)”

The five movements of The Wildflower Quintet for Reed Quintet (Oboe/English horn, Clarinet, Soprano/Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon) are based on the imagery from several poems by Bette Woolsey Castro, a friend of Lady Bird Johnson who founded the Wildflower Center in Texas. This work, as The Wildflower Trio for oboe, bassoon, and piano, was commissioned by the College of Fine Arts of the University of Texas at Austin to honor the life and environmental work of Lady Bird Johnson.

In this newly re-imagined version for Reed Quintet that was commissioned, recorded, and premiered by the Kalliope Quintet, the colors of the quintet add additional voices to the many wildflowers in Texas and across the United States. These instruments help to paint a broad picture of colors, shapes, and majesty of the flowers, and continue to honor the legacy and work of Mrs. Johnson. The movements are:

I. Wildflowers
II. Wild Rose and Butterfly
III. The Hummingbird
IV. Indian Paintbrush
V. Summer Garden

The Wildflower Quintet, by Jenni Brandon is available for purchase at the following link: The Wildflower Quintet for Reed Quintet (jennibrandon.com)