Diehn Concert Will Feature Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, ODU’s Andrey Kasparov

The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet (Philharmonisches Bläserquintett Berlin), joined by Old Dominion's Andrey Kasparov, will perform at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, for the Diehn Concert Series.

Founded in 1988, the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet was, during the era of Herbert von Karajan, the first permanently established wind quintet in the famous orchestra's rich tradition of chamber music. The ensemble has had important collaborations with every other major conductor of its time, including Leonard Bernstein, Carlos Kleiber, Sir John Barbirolli, Günter Wand, Carlo Maria Giulini, Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Muti, James Levine and Daniel Barenboim.

The musicians have received critical accolades worldwide and many of their recordings are widely held to be "definitive" or "reference" performances. The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet continues to astonish audiences worldwide with its range of expression, tonal spectrum and conceptual unity. The critics agree that the ensemble has succeeded in virtually redefining the sound of the classic wind quintet.

A review in The Washington Post noted: "It is rare to hear man perfectly integrated with music - when the two are so inextricably linked, so aware yet selfless, that distinctions between them are rendered meaningless. Such communion was achieved by the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet. It was a concert not to be forgotten."

Kasparov, associate professor of music at ODU, and Oksana Lutsyshyn comprise the Invencia Piano Duo. They also co-direct the Norfolk Chamber Consort.

Tickets for the Feb. 17 concert are $15 for the general public and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at oduartstix.com or by calling 683-5305 during regular box office hours.