Faculty quintet “Solaris” performs at Guzzetta

By Ellen Papp, Arts & Life Writer

The University of Akron School of Music hosted Solaris, The University of Akron faculty Woodwind quintet, on Sunday, Nov. 16th at 3 p.m. in the Guzzetta Recital Hall.

Solaris was formed in 1976 and has since established a reputation as one of the leading woodwind quintets in the United States.

Along with having regular concerts at The University of Akron, Solaris has toured in Italy, Brazil, Sweden, and across the U.S.

In reference to Northeast Ohio, they have performed at Stan Hywet, The Wayne Center for the Arts, the Cleveland Art Museum, the Cleveland Composers Guild, the Rocky River Chamber Series, Malone College, the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Sevenace Hall.

Solaris quintet members include Heidi Ruby-kushious, who plays the flute, Jack Cozen Harel, who plays the oboe, Kristine Belisle Jones, who plays the clarinet, Margaret Tung, who plays the horn, and Cynthia Cioffari, who plays the bassoon.

The recital started with a piece by Jean-Philippe Rameau, which was followed by a piece by Paul Taffanel. After intermission, they played a piece by Igor-Stravinsky, followed by another piece by Scott Joplin.

The quintet performed each piece stunningly but with the grace of the woodwind instruments. Their next performance date is yet to be announced, but Guzzetta Hall will be hosting more musical performances every week varying from jazz ensembles to operas.

"Solaris" performs at Guzzetta Recital Hall
Ellen Papp
“Solaris” performs at Guzzetta Recital Hall