From left to right, Becky Ayres, Beth Aiken, Paul Hadley, Ann Hubbard and Eric Van Dyke. Courtesy photo.

UPPER LAKE – A new woodwind quintet composed of uniquely talented classical musicians made their performing debut on Sunday.

The performance of “Quintessential,” as the group is called, was greatly appreciated by the brunch patrons at the Blue Wing Saloon & Café in Upper Lake, which has become a showcase for top quality local musicians.

“It was an honor to host a debut performance by such a wonderful group,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher. “With their seamless renditions of classical chamber pieces from the Renaissance to modern composers, our guests certainly got more than they bargained for today.”

Quintessential is composed of Lake County residents Beth Aiken on oboe and Ann Hubbard on bassoon, together with Becky Ayres (flute), Paul Hadley (horn) and Eric Van Dyke (clarinet) from Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

These talented individuals have a long history of playing together in the larger Lake and Ukiah Symphony Orchestras as well as the Symphony of the Redwoods.

Catherine Hall, an orchestral colleague of these players, was thoroughly impressed with the debut performance.

“This is a classic woodwind ensemble composed of truly exceptional musicians,” she said. “They interrelate exceptionally well, blending nicely into the whole while allowing the individual brilliance of each musician to shine through.”

“We all enjoy the larger setting of a big orchestra,” says Beth Aiken, “but this format allows us to perform a wider repertoire of music that truly inspires all five of us.”