Welcome to the Oregon Symphony’s new series, minute for music. The concept is simple. Take a minute out of your day, and get to know the Oregon Symphony musicians. A couple of times every week, we’ll be sharing video content that was created for you, by your Oregon Symphony musicians. You may hear them play a favorite piece (often, in unusual settings), they may share favorite music that perhaps you’ll enjoy as well, or it may simply be a “day in the life of…” We hope you enjoy the view.

 

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88. Happy Valentine's Day!

In this week's love-themed episode of minute for music, join Oregon Symphony violinist Keiko Araki on a journey back through time as she revisits the costumes from her previous videos! Performing all the parts of Edward Elgar's Chanson de Matin, she leaves us with a gentle reminder of where all great music comes from – the (knitted, pink) heart!

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87. Practice Makes Purrrfect

As if napping and keeping groomed weren't enough, Oregon Symphony violinist Keiko Araki's cat is busy training to be a conductor. Today's #minuteformusic features the ever-affectionate Zoot as he widens his palate and dons his finest concert attire. Performing all four parts of "The Waltzing Cat" by Leroy Anderson, Keiko used some digital magic to transpose one of the parts down an octave, giving the song a reverberating bass part fit for a feline.

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86. Associate Concertmasters Peter Frajola and Erin Furbee

As we look ahead toward the crisp days of fall, wave goodbye to summer with this farewell tango. Today's #minuteformusic features Oregon Symphony Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola and Assistant Concertmaster Erin Furbee performing Garardo Matos Rodríguez's "La Cumparsita." Loosely translated as "Little Parade," the song is commonly played at the end of an enjoyable evening of dancing to indicate that the night is over.

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85. Colin Corner

Start your week off with this Brazilian jazz favorite. Today's #minuteformusic features Oregon Symphony's principal bassist, Colin Corner, playing "How Insensitive," a popular bossa nova standard composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim. Reflecting a time when students, artists, and musicians came together on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to create a new sound, this song and performance are sure to give your day a tropical twist.

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84. Associate Concertmasters Peter Frajola and Erin Furbee

Today's #minuteformusic features Oregon Symphony Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola and Assistant Concertmaster Erin Furbee performing Astor Piazzolla's "Contrabajeando" on violin. Composed for Piazzola's bass player in the early 1960s, this sharp and sweeping song will have you moving your hips and feet, as any good tango should.

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83. Colin Corner

With summer temps on the rise, what better way to stay refreshed than with a #minuteformusic? Today’s performance features the Oregon Symphony’s principal bassist, Colin Corner, playing an invigorating version of Bach’s Fugue in A minor (BWV 543). Originally written for organ, the song is nicknamed “The Great” despite being a lesser-known piece of the composer's work.

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82. Principal Cello Nancy Ives

Today's minute 𝘧𝘰𝘳 music features Oregon Symphony Principal Cello Nancy Ives and pianist Susan DeWitt Smith performing an excerpt from Dvořák's Cello Concerto. This piece is particularly close to Nancy's heart, being the last piece of music she heard her father perform. Her father was also particularly fond of dogs, so it's only fitting that Takkie gets a front-row seat to this performance.

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81. Principal Percussion Michael Roberts

This minute for music features a tribute to our familiar feathered friends as Oregon Symphony musician Michael Roberts, Marimba, plays Henri Dutilleux's "Blackbird (for piano)."

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80. Violinist Shanshan Zeng

Start the week with a skip in your step, underscored by today's #minuteformusic as Oregon Symphony violinist Shanshan Zeng performs the Gigue portion of Bach’s Violin Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006

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79. Violinist Samuel Park

Who needs caffeine when you can start your day with this musical jolt! Oregon Symphony violinist Samuel Park performs the Scherzo from Fritz Kreisler's "Recitavo und Scherzo"

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78. Violinist Shanshan Zeng and Violinist Shengnan Li

This minute for music is part time-lapse, part short film as Oregon Symphony violinist Shanshan Zeng and her husband, violinist Shengnan Li, underscore a chronicle of routines over the past year with Jean-Marie Leclair's Violin Sonata No. 5.

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77. Principal Trumpet Jeffrey Work

This minute for music is a musical shot in the arm. A jab of relief, if you will. Jeffrey Work, Oregon Symphony Principal Trumpet, plays James M. Stephenson's "Vaccin-A-tude." We hope you enjoy this healthy dose of music.

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76. Principal Horn Jeff Garza

Do Monday mornings have you yearning to go back to sleep? Let today's minute for music ease you into your week as Jeff Garza, Oregon Symphony Principal Horn, and pianist Jon Nakamatsu play a soothing selection from Carl Reinecke's "Notturno." And maybe give that snooze button one more press. We won't tell.

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75. Principal Clarinet James Shields

The sparkling interplay of Oregon Symphony musicians James Shields (Principal Clarinet) and Trevor Fitzpatrick (Cello) brings to mind the glistening of fresh snowfall at sunrise, the sense of possibility, and perhaps even a hint of danger of the trail not yet travelled in this selection from Swedish composer Svante Henryson's "Off Pist."

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74. Principal Bass Colin Corner

Colin Corner, Principal Bass, warms up our Monday with a selection from J.S. Bach’s 69 Chorale Melodies. It’s called Die güldne Soune, voll Freud’ und Wonne (The Golden Sun Full of Joy and Delight).

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73. Principal Clarinet James Shields

Our Principal Clarinet James Shields really has his fingers on the pulse with this Bach Chorale Prelude (BWV 734). See if your eyes can track the notes as fast as James’ flying fingers play them!

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72. Violinist Fumino Ando

Fumino Ando, Violin, eases us into Monday with Etupirka (2015) by Taro Hakase, a celebrated contemporary Japanese composer and violinist.

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71. Violinist Gregory Ewer

Oregon Symphony’s Gregory Ewer, a frequent performer with the Portland Baroque Orchestra, plays Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B minor on a 17th century Baroque violin.

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70. Assistant Principal Percussion Stephen Kehner

We all needed another minute for music, so Oregon Symphony’s Stephen Kehner (Assistant Principal Percussion) went to the lab with guitarist Raley Beggs and came up with this: Invention No.13 in A Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach.

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69. Concertmaster Sarah Kwak and Violin Vali Phillips

After a brief intermission, minute for music returns with a little Handel, performed by Sarah Kwak on violin and Vali Phillips on viola.

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68. Principal Trombone Casey Jones

Music Unleashed: Who was the muse for this cheeky trombone solo by Leonard Bernstein? None other than Mippy, the beloved canine companion of Bernstein’s brother Burtie.

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67. Principal Flute Martha Long

A Flute-Filled Flurry: Say that phrase five times fast! It might feel a little like playing a fast-paced flute showpiece like this one.

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66. Violist Leah Ilem

Tranquility with Tallis: Take a minute to relax today with a soothing old-English tune played by violist Leah Ilem.

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65. Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola

Music, On a Lark: Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola puts his own spin on a jazz standard – “Skylark,” by Hoagy Carmichael.

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64. Shanshan Zeng

“Graceful Ghost” Rag: Shanshan Zeng is here with a deadly duet and a haunting ragtime melody, just in time for the Day of the Dead.

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63. Violinist Keiko Araki

Para-Musical Activity: Do you dare enter the lair of the Oregon Symphony’s very first violinist? Created by Keiko Araki, with Kenneth Finch on cello

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62. Violinist Clarisse Atcherson

Flight of the Canary: Listen carefully – you might even hear your neighborhood birds chirping along to this 1950s pop-violin showpiece! With guest pianist Maria Garcia

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61. Principal Percussion Michael Roberts

A Tango that Runs in the Family: Composer Arnold Mysior wrote this short tango for piano solo. Now, his grandson Michael Roberts performs it for you in his own arrangement for four marimbas.

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60. Acting Assistant Principal Bassoon Nicole Haywood

The Blissful Bassoon: Take a minute to enjoy music by living composer Jenni Brandon, inspired by the stone “Smoky Quartz” and its power to diffuse negative energy.

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59. Principal Trombone Casey Jones

Ode to Summertime: Enjoy the lush sounds of Gershwin’s famous song from Porgy and Bess, performed by Casey Jones and guest trombonist Frances Yu.

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58. Principal Oboe Martin Hébert

The Magic… Oboe? Step aside, Pagageno – Martin Hébert is here with a joyous minute for Mozart.

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57. Principal Bass Colin Corner

Bass-a Nova: Rio meets Portland as Colin Corner puts his spin on the jazz standard “Blue Bossa.”

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56. Hornists Matthew Berliner and Joseph Berger

Here are minuteS for music. Enjoy. It will be worth the extra time.

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55. Principal Percussion Michael Roberts and Assistant Principal Percussion Stephen Kehner

Sticking to the Beat: March along to the rhythm as Michael Roberts and Stephen Kehner put their own spin on a classic drum line.

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54. Cellist Seth Biagini

You Had Me at Cello: Seth Biagini illustrates the magnificent range of sounds you can create with just a bow and a cello.

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53. Violinists Keiko Araki and Lynne Finch, Violist Leah Ilem, and Cellist Kenneth Finch

Backyard Playtime for Four: Come one, come all – when you play music outside, the whole neighborhood’s a stage!

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52. Violinist Keiko Araki

Taiko Times Two Tap along as Keiko Araki fuses two of her many talents in her latest #minuteformusic. Donate & subscribe today ---> orsymphony.org/minuteformusic

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51. Principal Cello Nancy Ives

Dreaming of When We Reunite: Take a minute to look back on treasured moments with our Principal Cello Nancy Ives, and Schumann. We look forward to creating new memories.

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50. Violinist Yuqi Li

Sounds of Summer: As the sun sets on the warm season, enjoy a traditional Chinese summertime melody performed by violinist Yuqi Li.

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49. The Flute Section

Hitting the High Cs: You’re invited on a seaside excursion with the Oregon Symphony flute section – just don’t forget bring your own beverage!

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48. Violinist Emily Cole and Principal Clarinet James Shields

They play beautiful music, together. Also, congratulations to these two Oregon Symphony newlyweds!

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47. Cellist Seth Biagini

Do you have three minutes for two cellos? Enjoy an energetic, bi-coastal duet from Seth Biagini of the Oregon Symphony and Philo Lee of the New Jersey Symphony.

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46. Violinist Shanshan Zeng

We dare you not to tap your foot, nod your head, or air conduct while listening to this energetic piece! Featuring Oregon Symphony’s Shanshan Zeng and Milwaukee Symphony’s Shengnan Li

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45. Assistant Principal Percussion Stephen Kehner

Beautiful Dreamer: Meet the Oregon Symphony’s new Assistant Principal Percussion, Stephen Kehner – and his brand-new percussionist-in-training.

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44. Oboist Jason Sudduth

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go: This well-tailored trio performs a delightful excerpt by British composer Madeleine Dring. Featuring Oregon Symphony’s Jason Sudduth (oboe), Philadelphia Orchestra’s Erica Peel (flute), and composer Amanda Harberg (piano)

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43. Principal Clarinet James Shields

A Cozy Clarinet Quartet: Enjoy a calming minute for music from Principal Clarinet James Shields.

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42. Clarinetist Mark Dubac

Monday with Mozart: No concerto is more beloved by clarinetists than Mozart’s. In today’s #minuteformusic, Oregon Symphony clarinetist Mark Dubac shows us why.

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41. Principal Percussion Niel DePonte

Marimba Musings: Our wonderful retiring Principal Percussion Niel DePonte shares one last #minuteformusic, for you.

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40. Cellist Seth Biagini

Show and (William) Tell: Enjoy the introduction to Rossini’s operatic overture – one of the first pieces cellist Seth Biagini ever performed with the Oregon Symphony.

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39. Violinist Samuel Park

Bésame Mucho in Sepia Tone: Step aside, Ravel – Samuel Park is here with a suave performance of another well-known bolero.

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38. Violist Leah Ilem

Blue Skies Ahead: Maybe it’s the color of the wall behind her, but today’s #minuteformusic by violist Leah Ilem conjures a countryside scene with clear blue skies.

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37. Cellist Kenneth Finch

Music, Outside of the Box: Open up this #minuteformusic from cellist Kenneth Finch for a miniature musical surprise. Video created by Andrew Finch.

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36. Assistant Principal Flute Alicia DiDonato Paulsen

The Art of Multi-Tasking: It isn’t always easy to find a good quarantine practice routine. Fortunately, Alicia DiDonato Paulsen has it all figured out.

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35. Bassoonist Steve Vacchi

What the Heck(elphone)? Steve Vacchi shows off the beautiful sounds of the heckelphone, one of the longest – and rarest – instruments in the orchestra.

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34. Assistant Principal Second Violin Inés Voglar Belgique and Principal Viola Joël Belgique

It’s a Family Affair: Inés Voglar Belgique and Joël Belgique perform, along with their son – 9-year-old composer Alejandro Belgique – a “Minute-Long Adventure” written by Alejandro himself.

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33. Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola

Fiddle Me This: What do you get when you put two associate concertmasters next to one another? A rustic minute for music from Peter Frajola.⠀

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32. The Low Brass Section

Enjoy a garden serenade from the Oregon Symphony low brass section.

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31. Cellist Antoinette Gan

No One Beguiles Like Brahms: Antoinette Gan shares a dreamlike minute for music by the German great, with pianist Andrew Burgess.

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30. Violinist Fumino Ando

No matter the country, no matter the crisis, music has the power to heal. Enjoy a minute for music from Fumino Ando.

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29. Violinist Keiko Araki

Keiko Araki shares a healthy dose of Allegro. Please enjoy responsibly and in moderation.

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28. Assistant Principal Clarinetist Todd Kuhns and Principal Trumpet Jeffrey Work

In the Groove with Gershwin: Sit back and enjoy the smooth sounds of Assistant Principal Clarinet Todd Kuhns and Principal Trumpet Jeffrey Work in this minute for music.

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27. Violinist Samuel Park

An Electrifying Etude: Violinist Samuel Park is plugged in to play a high-voltage rendition of Sibelius in today’s minute for music.

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26. Principal Bassist Colin Corner

Mahler only changed a couple of notes from this well-known melody, but, as Colin Corner shows in today’s minute for music, a minor change can make a major difference.

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25. English Hornist Jason Sudduth

The English horn. Actually, it has nothing to do with England. Its original name was “angelic horn,” and when you hear this #minuteformusic from Jason Sudduth, we think you’ll understand why.

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24. Concertmaster Sarah Kwak

Puttin’ on the Fritz: Sarah Kwak presents a bite-sized recital of music by violin legend Fritz Kreisler, with pianist Cary Lewis.

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23. Principal Clarinetist James Shields

Like a glass of wine, the bass clarinet can be delicate and subtle. Here are four glasses, rather, samples for your enjoyment.

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22. Cellist Kenneth Finch

Let’s go for a ride. Kenneth Finch adds a new cycle to Bach’s suites for cello solo.

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21. Principal Oboist Martin Hébert, Assistant Principal Karen Wagner, and English Hornist Jason Sudduth

Today, enjoy two minutes for music. It’s so beautiful, we didn’t have the heart to reduce it down to one.

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20. Assistant Principal Trombonist Robert Taylor

We’re getting sentimental over seeing you again at the concert hall.

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19. Violist Leah Ilem, Cellist Trevor Fitzpatrick, and Assistant Principal Cellist Marilyn de Oliveira

In honor of those who have lost their lives serving our country, we share with you a Memorial Day minute for music from Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

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18. Violists Leah Ilem and Brian Quincey

A Synchronized Sonata

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16. Assistant Principal Cellist Marilyn de Oliveira

“A minute for Mozart.” Marilyn de Oliveira performs for you a four-cello rendition of one of Mozart’s most beloved melodies.

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15. Assistant Concertmaster Erin Furbee and Bassoonist Adam Trussell

Join a garden party with Erin Furbee, Adam Trussell, and a cameo from Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra Principal Clarinetist Louis DeMartino.

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14. Violinist Shanshan Zeng and Violist Ningning Jin

Start your day on a cheerful note with a new minute for music duet by Shanshan Zeng and Ningning Jin.

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13. Contrabassoonist Steve Vacchi

We may have hit an all-time low in our latest minute for music. Listen to some of the deepest notes an instrument can achieve, as Steve Vacchi demonstrates one of the largest and most unusual instruments of the orchestra.

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12. Principal Percussionist Niel DePonte

Make Time for Ragtime, with Niel DePonte

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11. Piccoloist Zach Galatis

Today, Oregon Symphony piccoloist Zach Galatis proves you can still sing in close harmony while remaining socially distant.

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10. Violinist Keiko Araki

How do you make constructive use of your time during self-isolation? Violinist Keiko Araki has the answer.

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9. Bassist Nina DeCesare

Bassist Nina DeCesare, with a very obedient audience.

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8. Violinist Yuqi Li

A Day in the Life of Yuqi Li

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7. Principal Clarinetist James Shields

Take a minute to enjoy some beautiful music from Oregon Symphony musician James Shields.

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6. Violists Silu Fei and Ningning Jin

Going for Baroque

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5. Principal Tubist JáTtik Clark and Trombonist Charles Reneau

Music Mingling while Social Distancing

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4. Principal Flutist Martha Long

Don’t worry. You’re not seeing double, triple, or quadruple.

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3. Principal Bassist Colin Corner

Like Father, Like Son

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2. Violinist Emily Cole and Principal Clarinetist James Shields

So many notes in such little time...

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1. Principal Cellist Nancy Ives

Nancy Ives serenades you from her garden with a surprise guest. Hint: She was eggcited to be in the video.

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