by John Abberger
It’s been an interesting experience to be back on tour, our first since the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Touring has always been an important part of life in Tafelmusik, and it has, without question, formed the character of the organization in many ways. The rationale has often been mentioned, but it’s worth reiterating. Repeating a program many times on tour for a wide variety of audiences strengthens the orchestra artistically.
In addition, there is a fascinating synergy for the organization that comes from touring. Appearing outside of our home base raises the profile of Tafelmusik not only in the various locations of the tour performances, but also in the awareness of the early music community around the world. And the fact that we tour raises our profile at home in the perception of our home audiences and supporters.
The music in a tour program is, by design, composed of works that will attract the attention of the presenters who will be the decision makers 18 to 24 months in advance of the actual performances. The goal shared by these presenters and Tafelmusik is to present a program that will appeal to the broadest possible audience. Performing for audiences outside our home base really allows us to gauge the effectiveness of what we are doing on stage. And I am always fascinated to observe how some of the details of our performance develop over the course of a series of repeat performances in different venues when we play a program on tour. The repetition can have a wonderful effect on our interpretations, a marvelous process of sharpening our understanding of our musical decisions, and focusing our execution of those decisions and ideas. It’s a huge artistic win for the orchestra and for the music.
John Abberger, one of North America’s leading performers on historical oboes, has been the principal oboist with Tafelmusik since 1989. He has performed extensively in North America, Europe, and the Far East, and appears regularly with other prominent period-instrument ensembles, including American Bach Soloists, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Washington Bach Consort, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Ensemble Voltaire, Handel and Haydn Society, and Boston Baroque.
Tour generously sponsored by
