The University of Idaho Argonaut

Bridging the gap between a performer and the listener is difficult for any musician, but Imani Winds, a traditional wind quintet, makes it a point to cross lines, break barriers and make music an experience.
Imani Winds will visit the University of Idaho for two days and give a concert at 7:30 p.m. today in the University Auditorium as part of the Auditorium Chamber Music Series.

Torin Spellman-Diaz is the oboist in the quintet and said that the group likes to talk to the audience during the performance.
“Up on a concert stage it is like you’re in a different land,” Spellman-Diaz said. “We speak to the audience and it is a way to break the ice.”
Spellman-Diaz said that this makes the atmosphere fun.
The concert is part of the group’s tour across the country.

The group will have visited Sun Valley, Caldwell and Hamilton before they make their first visit to UI.
Spellman-Diaz said that the group makes an effort to visit universities because education and connection with students is a priority .
“We try to make sure we have contact with the community,” Spellman-Diaz said.
The group’s name, Imani, which comes from the Swahili name for faith, represents the group’s fascination with African culture.

Each of the five members are accomplished in their own instrument and, since forming the group in 1997, have worked together to carve out their own niche in the classical world.
Their approach to classical music has set them apart, enriching the traditional wind quintet repertoire with European, American, African and Latin American traditions and winning them international recognition and a Grammy nomination.

“We like to call (our music) ‘urban classical,’” Spellman-Diaz said.
She said that many different cultures are influences and that these differences should be lauded.
“Classical music is a celebration of diversity,” Spellman-Diaz said.
Ohlgren said Imani Winds’ diversity and inspiration will make a great addition to the line-up of the Auditorium Chamber Music Series.

“(The organization) likes to expose the university community to outstanding musicians,” Ohlgren said. “We also like to reach our young people to encourage them to follow their own interests.”
The group will help fulfill this, holding a class at Moscow High School and in the LHSOM about the spiritual art of music and the influence of African music, as well as holding master classes for students.

“Their interest in exploring the influence of African culture on classical music stands out,” Ohlgren said.
The concert will feature cultural pieces like “Portraits of Josephine Baker” by Coleman and “Kites Over Havana” by D’Rivera and Coleman.
“We try to stretch the boundaries of a traditional chamber music series,” Ohlgren said. “Imani Winds does just that.”