General Questions

How do you pronounce your group’s name and where did the name come from?

In 1791, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart completed his last opera, The Magic Flute. In this fanciful fairytale, Mozart's librettist, Johann Schikaneder, was to introduce one of opera's most enduring comic figures – Papageno (pronounced papa GAY no ) the bird catcher. We chose that name to reflect the happiness we both give and receive while performing great music.

What are the instruments in a woodwind quintet?

The woodwind quintet is comprised of flute (sometimes playing piccolo), oboe (sometimes playing English Horn), clarinet, horn, and bassoon. This group is the most versatile of all small ensembles.  Each instrument possesses a unique sound.  In different combinations with each other they give the widest range of tonal colors, from somber and profound to light and bubbly.

The horn is a brass instrument. Why is it called a woodwind quintet?

The horn is a unique brass instrument that has the chameleon- like ability to blend well with both brass and woodwind instruments. The woodwind quintet requires a “bridge” between the baritone and bass timbres of the bassoon and the “chalumeau” or low notes of the clarinet. The horn also lends both subtlety and power to the quintet’s overall timbre. We are called a woodwind quintet as four of the instruments involved are of the woodwind family.  

Performance Particulars

What sort of music will you play?

We play a range of repertoire from Bach to Mancini and can be trusted to select the right music for the moment. We are also happy to play any other beautiful piece you may propose from our repertoire list. Remember that one of the best things about live music is that it can be varied as the function progresses to suit the mood of the moment.

What will the musicians need on the day of the event?

To play at your function all we need is a small space sufficient for five people seated with two groups of two facing each other and one in the center back, five chairs (armless chairs are better suited for musicians) and enough light to read by. It is also important that if the event is outside that the musical instruments are out of the direct sunlight. At most functions we will play live, however if the number of guests is more than one hundred you may need to consider amplification.

When will the musicians arrive, how long will they play and what breaks will they take?

We will arrive at your function at least 15 minutes before we are due to start playing. This gives us enough time to set up and start playing. After playing for 45 minutes to an hour we will generally need to take a small 15 minute break , if refreshments are available at this point they would be appreciated. The length of time we will play depends on you. Sometimes we will only play as guests are arriving or we can play through dinner and even for the whole event.

How much do you charge?

Our rates vary depending on the length of performance, travel distance for our members, and type of venue. Please e-mail us with your particulars and a rate will be determined.

What will the musicians wear?

Unless otherwise requested we will wear elegant black tuxedos and formal wear.

How do we organize a concert?

If you would like a concert performance in your home or other concert venue the Papageno Quintet has many exciting programs available to suit your taste. We will discuss with you all issues concerning the concert
including:

• how long the program will be
• what particular repertoire you would like to hear (based on availability of music ).
• whether or not you would like us to stay and chat with your guests following the performance.
• whether you would like written program notes or would like us to talk to your guests about the repertoire we will be performing.

We see the opportunity to perform a concert program as the most exciting aspect of living a life involved in the arts. It is our opportunity to perform the music we love for an appreciative audience - a musicians dream!

If you have any further questions or would like to engage us for your event, please contact us via e-mail at hannaent@gmail.com .