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      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

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      Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

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      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

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      The Love Zone Thrills fans on Valentine’s Day

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      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

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  • Events
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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

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      Beneath the Baobabs Live: A Kenyan live music…

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      Down memory lane: An Evening Remembering Whitney Houston

      December 2, 2021

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      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

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      An Evening Celebrating Stevie Wonder in Nairobi

      June 10, 2021

  • Artist Spotlight
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      Ngewa: Kasiva Mutua rhythmical tales on percussion

      April 26, 2022

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      Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in…

      December 10, 2021

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      June 16, 2020

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Artist SpotlightClassical Music

Elizabeth Knott and the Art of Oboe in Nairobi.

by Maureen Shelmith May 23, 2016
written by Maureen Shelmith May 23, 2016

oboe and lizzie

The oboe is one of those rare orchestra instruments that you will scarcely find played if you looked through the various orchestras in Kenya.

For those that have ever Googled, “is playing the oboe as an as a beginner hard?” the most likely responses you could have gotten is, “Playing the oboe is very difficult, but in due time you will get the hang of it”.

However, a brave lady, Ms. Elizabeth Knott, has purposed to promote rare orchestral instruments, the oboe, along with the English horn and Bassoon among Kenyan instrumentalists.

 

lizzie teaching

Lizzie teaching

Elizabeth Knott, is a friend to the Kenyan orchestra, her trips to Kenya are to nurture passionate students eager to learn how to play the rare orchestral Instruments. She initially came to the country in the year 2015 and soon after launched the first oboe department in collaboration with the Kenya Music Conservatoire.appreciation cert

Elizabeth has noted that in the country there are 3 youth orchestras and they don’t have decent oboes that instrumentalists can use over time.  So passionate is Mrs. Knott in her advocacy for the oboe that she went broke as she used most of her resources towards her cause.  You can find detailed accounts of her experience towards urging young musician to try the rare orchestral instruments on her blog.

 

So what is an oboe you may ask? It is a double reed instrument in the woodwind family. The reeds vibrate against each other to produce its sounds. The English horn and bassoon work the same way as the oboe.

oboe

The oboe is generally considered one of the hardest instruments to play. It is often confused with the clarinet but it is slightly smaller.

 

Its sound is close to that of the human voice. It is the only instrument that can convey the depth of human emotion. On a good day, it’s poignant, and rich, and complex. On a bad day, especially if you’re just learning, it can be truly frustrating.  The sound emanating from it can be akin to that made by a really sick duck.

 

Lizzie during a concert recital in Nairobi, Kenya

Lizzie during a concert recital in Nairobi, Kenya

As the concert experience has changes it is becoming more interactive and entertaining. People are stretching the boundaries of what is classical. If the rare orchestral instruments are given the seriousness they deserve, they can be truly powerful additions to the current orchestral ensemble.

 

 

Image credits to:

Quaint Photography

Edited by: Kuchio J 🙂

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13 comments

Frank May 26, 2016 - 2:02 AM

I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!

Reply
Maureen Shelmith May 26, 2016 - 11:58 AM

Hey, Frank

I have melted inside. marshmallow mood.

Thank you sir, for stopping by 🙂

Reply
Jimmy May 27, 2016 - 2:24 AM

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Maureen Shelmith May 30, 2016 - 7:58 AM

Ahaaa, thank you so much for stopping by.

Love and light. <3

Reply
David Knott May 27, 2016 - 5:34 AM

I’m very lucky to be married to this talented, giving, humorous and driven woman. This is a great article describing her commitment to exposing young Kenyans to the magic of oboe music. Thanks for writing it!

Reply
Maureen Shelmith May 30, 2016 - 7:59 AM

Heeey,

You are very lucky to be married to such a talented lady, it is quite evident she gets the love and support from you always.

Love and light.

Reply
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Maureen Shelmith May 30, 2016 - 7:59 AM

I shall.

Thank you.

Reply
Jimmy May 29, 2016 - 2:53 PM

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Maureen Shelmith May 30, 2016 - 8:01 AM

I am feeling all marshmallow inside.

You will certainly read and learn great things from this side of the sahara.

Love and Light.

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Maureen Shelmith May 30, 2016 - 8:02 AM

Thank you so much, for ze love of music.

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About Me

About Me

Maureen Shelmith

My mission here is to take you on a Kenyan musical journey that is exceptional.

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