Amiche Duo
Jennifer Gookin Cavanaugh, oboe
Kimberly Gratland James, mezzo-soprano
 
Saturday, March 28, 2020
4:30-5:20pm


Program
Love Songs for Soprano and Oboe (2014) – Jenni Brandon (b. 1977)         
     I. Lullaby                                                                                                                  
     II. Kulasgh
     III. Song of the Blue Corn
     IV. Love Song of the Chippewa
     V. Love Song from the Andes
     VI. Lullaby Reprise
 
Timing: 23 minutes

Artist Bio 
The Amiche Duo is passionate about performing living, female composers, and is particularly drawn to this composition because it tells the story of the Native American Woman. Ms. Brandon writes, "It is a story that I feel can be universally understood, but points to the strength of not only the Native American Woman, but to the strength of all women to persevere, to raise children and to keep community strong against all odds. It is a "love song" in that it goes beyond just romantic love, but tells of love for a child and love of the land." As professional artists, teachers, lovers of nature, and as mothers, the Amiche Duo feels deeply connected to the text and to the stunning setting by Jenni Brandon.
 
The Amiche Duo features Kimberly Gratland James, Mezzo-Soprano, and Jennifer Gookin Cavanaugh, Oboe & English horn. The ensemble was created as an avenue to explore the combined, rich timbres of the voice and oboe/English horn. The Amiche Duo is passionate about commissioning and promoting new music by living composers and also enjoys performing arrangements of standard repertoire from the Baroque period to present. Ms. James currently serves on the faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Ms. Cavanaugh, Yamaha Performing Artist, serves on the Faculty at the University of Montana.

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