The Beaufort Winds is a Kansas City-based woodwind quintet. Founded in 2021, its members include:

Virginia Backman, flute

Nemati-Bachestani, oboe

Alex Dergal, Clarinet

Steve Lewis, Horn

Mark Adair, bassoon.

They have performed for audiences across the Northeastern region of Kansas, from Iola to the Kansas City Metro. While continuing the love of presenting woodwind quintet classics, the Beaufort Winds are dedicated collaborators and avid supporters of new literature. Concerts have included reimagined arrangements of popular works (Debussy’s Sonata No. 2), collaborations with other organizations (Spencer Museum of Art), and other soloists (Dr. Jacob Hofeling, organ). As the ensemble-in-residence of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble, the Beaufort Winds perform various concert programs throughout the year as part of the yearly concert series.

Program 1: “A Bridge From the Old World”

Opus. 51 | Antonín Dvořák

“From the Southland” | Harry Burleigh

“Summer Music” | Samuel Barber

Program 2: “American Landscapes”

“Roaring Fork” | Eric Ewazen

“Winter Landscape” | Randall Faust

“Still Miniatures” | William Grant Still

Program 3: “Celebrating Women Composers”

“Trois Morceaux” | Nadia Boulanger

“Pastorale for Wind Quintet” | Amy Beach

“Umoja” | Valerie Coleman

“Prelude, Variations, and Finale on a Gregorian Chant” | Yvonne Desportes

“Adoration” | Florence Price

This program has an alternative option that would include a pianist.

$175/per musician/per hour Typically, a concert would come out $875, which can include the full performance and a short concert talk prior. For longer events, such as ones paired with a master class or side-by-side, prices can be negotiated. For some events, Beaufort Winds will use literature that may not feature all members, thus would only charge for attending members. Travel and lodging fees to be negotiated per project.

• Pre-Concert Presentations are prepared for each program, giving the history and context for each piece. On occasion, Beaufort Winds has a Q&A for the audience to ask questions about the composers, their background, and inspirations behind their compositions.
• Public Masterclasses: Each member is prepared to provide master classes on their own instruments, as well as ensemble classes, for local music programs/musicians.
• Side-by-Side Programs: Local students musicians are invited to join and play alongside the quintet for a piece during a performance. Prior to the performance, the students would have a rehearsal to work alongside ensemble members and work on instrument-specific skills and ensemble tricks/techniques.
• Collaborations with other Artistic/Historical/Educational groups: Beaufort Winds is very interested in creating programs that intersect with other disciplines. For example: Art Installations, Museum Exhibits, Library Educational Works. At the Spencer Museum of Art, the group performed a selection based on famous paintings which was paired with talks by the gallery curator.