Portland Winds: A Quintet with Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, & Flute

Portland Winds formed in 2025, bringing together five Maine-based musicians: Laura del Sol Jimenez, flute; Kathleen McNerney, oboe; Karen Beacham, clarinet; Wren Saunders, bassoon; and Sophie Flood, French horn.

The ensemble explores the rich and varied repertoire of the traditional wind quintet while also championing new works. Their programs are both exciting and flexible, often featuring smaller combinations that reveal the remarkable range of colors and possibilities within wind chamber music.

All five musicians maintain active performing and teaching careers throughout Maine, bringing a wealth of experience, energy, and enthusiasm to their performances.

Portland Winds

Laure del Sol Jimenez, Flute

Kathleen McNerney, Oboe

Karen Beacham, Clarinet

Wren Saunders, Bassoon

Sophie Flood, French Horn

Three Sea Shanties (1943) Malcolm Arnold (1921- 2006)

1. What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor

2. Bonney Was a Warrior

3. Johnny Come Down to Hilo

Roaring Fork (1993) Eric Ewazen (b. 1954)

1. Whitewater Rapids (Maroon Creek)

2. Columbines (Snowpass Lake)

3. At the Summit (Buckskin Pass)

Intermission

Wind Quintet Op. 79 (1901) August Klughardt (1847 –

1902)

1. Allegro non troppo

2. Allegro vivace

3. Andante grazioso

4. Adagio – Allegro molto vivace

Suite: Portraits of Josephine (2006) Valerie Coleman (b.1970)

1. O’l St. Louis

2. Les Milandes

3. Paris – 1925

4. Thank You Josephine