About

Flexing the Canon is a performing and commissioning project started in 2023 by Natalie Groom. Originating with clarinet, horn, and bassoon trios, the goal is to create more “flexible” chamber music (known as flex music) where each instrumental part can be substituted with another similar instrument (like clarinet/viola, horn/alto sax, bassoon/cello).

Read more about the ensemble and the project at www.nataliegroom.com/flexingthecanon

Music

Explore a mix of classical, contemporary, jazz, and tango works of huge emotional breadth written for clarinet, horn, and bassoon trio. Three Reeds and a Horn Performers include Natalie Groom (clarinet), Kat Robinson (horn), and Qun Ren (bassoon). Hear original compositions by Natalie Groom as well as commissions written for this ensemble and designed as “flex” chamber music (chamber music that can be played by many combinations of instruments). The program is ~65 minutes without intermission, and it explores themes such as nature conservation, mindfulness, overcoming grief, and finding joy in small and silly things.

Repertoire
Harriett Bolz: Festive Fantasia
Megan DiGeorgio: There is no Away
Natalie Groom: Meditation
Natalie Groom: Sea Urchins
Jane K: Tango, Encore!
Hiroaki Kataoka: A Beautiful Day
Hiroaki Kataoka: Makalish Sophia
Catherine Likhuta: Lesions
Beata Moon: Freedom Dreaming
Kimberly Osberg: Freaks of Nature
Wilfred Roberts: Miniatures
Naoya Wada: The Moon

Videos

Photos