How word of a new kind of chamber ensemble spread and took hold in Europe and across the US. Turning on the factory machinery, they watch as it spits out a collection of distinctly non-telescopic objects: an oboe, clarinet, bassoon, bass clarinet, and saxophone. The five worker-musicians then begin to play, using only reeds and mouthpieces at first. An array of sounds emerges, along with a model of good-humored inventiveness. Undoubtedly, some of the young listeners leave with an ambition to try their own hands at wind instruments. In need of a repertoire for that ensemble, they set in motion a kind of music-producing machinery, which—through commissions, new arrangements, and composition competition—continues to churn out a growing inventory of new works.

The Ensemble


2020/21 Program Offerings
Calefax is a close-knit ensemble of five reed players united by a shared passion. For thirty-five years they have been acclaimed in the Netherlands and abroad for their virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements and innovative stage presentation. They are the inventors of a completely new genre: the reed quintet. They provide inspiration to young wind players from all over the world who follow in their footsteps. Calefax can be defined as a classical ensemble with a pop mentality. Calefax takes an adventurous approach to presenting its programmes and has an astonishingly varied repertoire ranging from to the present day.
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Established in , Calefax this year celebrates its thirty-fifth anniversary as the world's first reed quintet. The time to look back and relive highlights from Calefax' history together. Calefax invites composers of all ages and nationalities to participate in the 13th annual Composers Competition for Reed Quintet.
Download Press Sheet. Download Hi-Res Photos. Akropolis delivers over annual performances including ticketed recitals, K outreach, and community residency activities. Akropolis has premiered more than 70 new works and was selected to adjudicate and premiere the Barlow Prize funded by the Barlow Endowment, the first time the prize was given for a reed quintet work. Each June in Detroit, Akropolis presents its own event festival, Together We Sound, featuring multidisciplinary collaborators, a workplace concert series, and educational outreach, expanding and diversifying arts access throughout the city. Akropolis also reaches more than 5, K students annually, including a school year-long residency with students at three Detroit high schools. Akropolis is a c 3 nonprofit organization generously supported by individuals nationwide. Updated August