Camerata Nova Quintet with the Virginia Tech Student Wind Quintet
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. 
Squires Recital Salon

View program information here.

In 2023, Camerata Nova, composed of the woodwind faculty from Western Illinois University, embarked on a musical journey to expand the boundaries of the classical woodwind quintet.

With a desire to explore new timbres and commission new repertoire, they made the innovative decision to incorporate the saxophone into the ensemble, creating the Contemporary Woodwind Quintet. This unconventional choice brings a fresh, dynamic dimension to the standard ensemble. The saxophone's technical versatility and rich tonal palette infuses performances with a fusion of timbres that resonates with tradition and modernity.

Recent commissions include composer Katherine Pukinskis, along with two Illinois-based composers, retired WIU professors John Mindeman and James Caldwell, to create repertoire for their unique instrumentation of flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. To date, the ensemble has been awarded numerous grants including an International Double Reed Society “50 in 50” Commissioning Grant. Camerata Nova strives to expand musical boundaries and breathe new life into classical traditions while honoring the legacy of the past.

We are grateful to Main Street Inn and The Inn at Virginia Tech, the hotel sponsors for the Music on Mondays and Visiting Artist Series in the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech.