Although Philadelphia has a vibrant classical music scene, wind music for mid-sized ensembles is not regularly performed by groups in the area. “I believe that the Philadelphia Chamber Winds will fill a unique niche in the Philadelphia music community.” said Ms. Allen. “We can present a large and intriguing body of repertoire that’s rarely played in professional concert halls because of the unusual instrumentation of this music.  It’s also an opportunity to showcase the virtuosity of many of Philadelphia’s outstanding professional wind players.”

     The premiere concert by the Philadelphia Chamber Winds features works for ten instruments –  two each of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns. The program ranges from the standard to the exotic to the whimsical and includes Charles Gounod’s Petite Symphonie, one of the standards of the chamber wind repertoire; Suite Persane by André Caplet, which uses oriental modes and exotic instrumental colors to create the sound of Persian music; Andantino from Concierto No. 3, originally written for organ by the Baroque Spanish composer Antonio Soler and arranged for antiphonal double wind quintet; the charming, whimsical Musique pour faire plaisir by Francis Poulenc; and Consort for Ten Winds, Robert Spittal’s contemporary reflection of early wind music from the court of France’s great “Sun King,” Louis XIV.

     In addition to presenting several public concerts each year, the Philadelphia Chamber Winds plans to become more involved in the community.  “I’d like for us to become actively involved in educational outreach and community engagement programs for Philadelphia’s youngest and oldest residents through performances at schools and senior and community centers.” Ms. Allen said. “And as a champion of new music for winds, I’d like to help expand the repertoire by commissioning works by different composers.”

     Virginia Allen is a third generation conductor who has led wind ensembles on stages around the United States and in Europe, South America, and Asia. A pioneer for women in military bands, she was the first woman conductor of the U.S. Army Field Band in Washington, D.C., The U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, and The U.S. Army Forces Command Band in Atlanta. She has written several significant transcriptions for wind ensemble which have been premiered, performed, and recorded by members of the Chicago Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the Washington Opera Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.

     “I’ve been exposed to wind music as a listener, performer, and conductor all of my life,” said Ms. Allen, “And I love the colors of wind instruments and the sounds created by the combination of those instruments.  They’re capable of certain effects and expression which you can’t get from other instruments.”

     For more information on the Philadelphia Chamber Winds, visit www.philadelphiachamberwinds.org.