Applause for the Oboe

When asked about her favorite musical instrument, poet and classical music aficionado Ana Elsner said,



"Without a doubt, the instrument that speaks to me most is the oboe. Although sometimes overshadowed by other woodwinds, not to mention the testosterone-laden brass, I perceive the oboe as being a full-bodied female voice. Perhaps this is due to its mezzo-soprano to soprano range. In fact, I have written a poem titled 'Oboe' which defines how I feel about it."



Later on in the conversation, Ana Elsner added,

"My favorite oboist, these days, is Ms. Laura Griffiths of the San Francisco Opera and Ballet Orchestra. Her lyrical tone quality and masterful vibrato distinguish her among the woodwinds, indeed, among the entire orchestra. Her soli simply shine. It is a treat to hear her play."

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Side-by-side: Laura Griffiths and Ana Elsner

The
Sounding
Reed
(borrowed from a poem by Ana Elsner)


Born out of her affection for the oboe, Ana Elsner conceived of and choreographed a special evening of dialogue between the spoken word as represented by Elsner's poems and the voice of the oboe as presented by Laura Griffiths, acting principal oboist of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.

This unique event, headlined 'The Sounding Reed', will take place on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 7p.m. at the North Beach Branch of the San Francisco Public Library, located at 2000 Mason Street, corner of Columbus Avenue, (415) 355-5626.

The sponsor of this exciting program is 'The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library'. Admission is free.

Lovers of Poetry and Lovers of Classical Music: unite!

[Read OBOE, the signature poem for this event]

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