Bloom - OB/BSN

Bloom
for oboe and bassoon
by Amber Ferenz (b. 1973) - American composer and bassoonist

From the composer:

Bloom was written for bassoonist Gillian McCallister Lopez and oboist Annika Becker, commissioned by Isabel “Gypsy” Richardson.  

Early this spring, I happened to see a Facebook post from Gillian requesting info on any known OB + BSN duets written by women or other marginalized composers, as her student Annika was planning her graduation recital and wanted to program a duet with her teacher.  Several existing pieces were suggested, but in Goldilocks style, they all seemed to be “too” something. I like a challenge, so I messaged Gillian to ask if perhaps they’d like me to write a piece for the two of them, and happily they said YES! 

The idea of a garden overtook me immediately.  There is such a lovely parallel between gardening and teaching, as both things share common ground.  From the time a student begins lessons to the time they graduate from a teacher’s studio, we do our best to nurture their progress, much as I do with my plants in my garden.  From sowing their first seeds all the way through the actual bloom as they move into the next phase of their journey elsewhere, our students grow and change.  It’s a natural and beautiful metamorphosis to have the privilege to witness. 

Wishing you all happy gardening, teaching, and duetting,

Amber Ferenz

Grayson, GA  2024