Imani Winds
March 5, 2004
Featuring five outstanding musicians of African-American and Latin Heritage, the members of Imani Winds joined forces in 1996 to create an ensemble that would push the boundaries of a traditional wind quintet. Imani, literally "faith" in Swahili, is the embodiment of the ensemble's mission: bridging the European and African musical traditions, exploring repertoire from diverse cultural backgrounds, and reflecting upon their rich experience as classical musicians of color. Concert Artists Guild's first-ever Educational Residency Ensemble, Imani Winds offer a wide array of residency programs for various settings, age groups, and community programs. The Quintet's residency curriculum often explores the culture and heritage of the African Diaspora and introduces Western classical traditions to diverse classrooms.
The repertoire offered by Imani Winds highlights their commitment to diversity. Featuring numerous works by African, Latin, and American composers, the players often add percussion and folk influences to the traditional wind quintet textures, taking their audiences on captivating journeys through divergent ethnic and musical identities.
Imani Winds' performances include their New York debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and concerts at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, the Savannah Onstage International Music Festival, Market Square Concerts, Chicago Symphony Musicians Residency Program, Ravinia Festival, South Shore Music Festival, Princeton University, Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts, New Jersey City University, Maplemount Festival, Washington and Lee University, Ohio University, and the Fischoff Chamber Music Association. Imani Winds enjoyed their second international tour with eminent saxophonist Steve Coleman in the summer of 2001 and have won the Artists International Annual New York Debut Prize and a position in the roster of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
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