About

In ancient times, it was believed that the sound of the oboe could not only enchant but also hypnotize. Composers have used this instrument since olden times to intensify emotions, illustrating both love and suffering in music. Oboes flourished especially during the Baroque era and were greatly loved by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and other great composers. It is the most difficult wind instrument to master, requiring the musician to have very good breath control. The entire orchestra is tuned to the sound of the oboe, which is why it is wittily called the intonation policeman.

The concert’s mastermind, oboist Robertas Beinaris, says, “We want to reveal the rich and colourful world of the oboe family instruments and show how the oboe, the oboe d’amore, and the English horn sounded in different periods. The programme is a musical journey from Baroque to contemporary music and jazz, allowing listeners to hear how the instrument has changed, acquired new timbres, and opened up more possibilities for expression. The audience will hear works by Baroque masters Vivaldi and Bach, in which the oboe reveals itself as a virtuosic and vivid solo instrument, as well as works from the Classical and Romantic periods. The concert will conclude with contemporary blues by Christopher Norton, lending lightness, rhythm, and a jazzy sound to the programme. We invite you to get to know the oboe family up close – to hear their dialogue, the timbral differences, and the common musical language that connects several centuries and different musical styles.”