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Celebrating the arrival of spring with the complexity of the oboe

Victoria Symphony’s principal oboe returns after COVID cancellation
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St. Michael’s Church is the regular venue for the Chemainus Classical Concerts series. (File photo by Don Bodger)

A variety of works from baroque, romantic and modern eras will be presented in the next Chemainus Classical Concerts performance Sunday, March 19.

‘Spring Song’ heralds the return of spring and features Anna Betuzzi (oboe), Camilo Aramburo Jaramillo (bassoon) and Jany Lu (piano) at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus.

Betuzzi, a graduate of the University of Victoria, is principal oboe with the Victoria Symphony. She’s joined by husband Jaramillo and Lu in a program celebrating the rich complexities of the oboe.

“Some of you might remember oboist Anna Betuzzi from a few years ago when she impressed the Cowichan Valley performing the Mozart oboe concerto as guest soloist of the Cowichan Consort Orchestra,” pointed out Rykie Avenant, artistic co-director of Chemainus Classical Concerts.

“She had originally been scheduled to perform for Chemainus Classical Concerts in 2020. Alas, we all remember how that year turned out and we are delighted to finally welcome her to our season. Upon her return to Victoria last year, Anna was appointed principal oboe of the Victoria Symphony and is also a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria.”

The program is an interesting mix of works by CPE Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann and Robert Schumann, as well as compositions by living composers Daniel Cueto and Alyssa Morris.

Reserved tickets for $20 are available in advance by calling Eleanor Montour at 250-748-8383. Tickets are $25 at the door or $10 for under 18.

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Anna Betuzzi is featured on the oboe. (Photo submitted)
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Camilo Aramburo Jaramillo performs on the bassoon in ‘Spring Song.’ (Photo submitted)
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Pianist Jany Lu joins the trio for ‘Spring Song.’ (Photo submitted)