John Ellis

This weekend I had the good fortune to perform Telemann’s Tafelmusik with the Orchestra of Northern New York in Tupper Lake and Potsdam New York. This is part of a great suite of music that was composed in 1733 as background music for feasts and banquets. Telemann scored this particular suite for strings and continuo with trumpet and oboe. It’s a workout for the trumpet and oboe, but the beautiful intertwining lines make it some of the most joyful music I’ve had the opportunity to perform. And probably the best part of the weekend was having the chance to play with Anna Hendrickson, principal oboe of the orchestra. Rarely does one have the chance to work with such a consummate musician. Her phrasing and shaping of the musical line was sublime artistry. She challenged me to play each phrase more beautifully. Every time she plays a note she puts her whole soul into it. (I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with reeds!)

This is what keeps me doing what I do. Having the opportunity to share great music with an appreciative audience, and to work with wonderful colleagues. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Ken Andrews, John Lindsey, and all the members of the orchestra for so many years. They have made music-making a joy.

This weekend concludes a busy three weeks for me. It started with the Ottawa Symphony performing the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra. What a profound piece of music! Then the National Arts Centre Orchestra performed a series of concerts with the Boston Ballet. Their rendition of the 1911 Nijinsky-choreographed “L’apriés-midi d’un faune” was absolutely stunning. I still can’t believe I had the opportunity to see that. At the same time we’ve begun a new semester at Crane. I’m looking forward to an outstanding semester for our trumpet students. I’ll write more about that later. Just remember to keep the joy in your music-making.