The Haffner Wind Ensemble

The Haffner Wind Ensemble has a reputation which has grown with the ever- increasing list of composers who have written works especially for them. These include John Woolrich, Michael Berkeley, Martin Butler and Colin Matthews. The Ensemble now has an impressive series of commercial recordings that has brought great critical acclaim. These include Chamber Music for winds by William Alwyn (chosen as a Gramophone favourite disc), The Haffner Collection featuring regular favourites from their varied recital repertoire, a Richard Strauss CD including the Sonatine for sixteen winds and their most recent release of both wind quintets by Francais.

In addition to its commercial releases, the Haffner Wind Ensemble has made numerous recordings for the BBC and overseas broadcasting organisations. They have toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe and have made many appearances at major festivals including those at Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, Bath and Stockholm. Recent projects have included an association with British Telecom and the National Federation of Music Societies entitled "Making More of Music", which was a nation-wide series of concerts and educational workshops. They have held the post of resident ensemble for both South East Arts and Southampton University and have also appeared at the BBC Proms.

The ensemble draws on players who are key figures in Britain's musical life as soloists and chamber musicians. Although the ensemble is based on the standard wind quintet of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon, it is able to extend to sixteen players to encompass the major repertoire for wind as well as that for wind and piano.

The Haffner Wind Ensemble on Guild Music

• GMCD 7153 Max Kuhn

Page revised 03.09.2000