January 24, 2002

BOISE STATE STUDENTS TRIO ADVANCES TO NATIONAL FINALS

Boise State University music students Kristin Kirkman, oboe, and Kelli Kirkman, horn, from Redmond, Ore., together with pianist Arthur Williford of Boise, have advanced to the national round of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chamber Music Competition to be held in Cincinnati on March 16. The students, who form Trio Elysium, previously won the Idaho state MTNA competition, then on Jan. 20 represented Idaho in the Northwest Division round, where they were selected to perform at the national competition.

In the field of chamber music, the combination of oboe, horn and piano is unusual. Identical twins Kristin and Kelli Kirkman, both Boise State University juniors, joined with Williford last year to explore the limited repertoire that lets these sisters play trio together. Kristin, who studies with Boise State music professor Jeanne Belfy, is principal oboe in Boise State’s Symphonic Winds and co-principal in the University Orchestra. Kelli, who studies with Boise State music professor David Saunders, is principal horn in the Symphonic Winds and University Orchestra. Williford, who is not enrolled at Boise State, studies with Boise State music professor Del Parkinson.

Belfy is the trio’s primary competition coach. Trio Elysium is the second Boise State chamber music ensemble to make a run for this achievement. The first, a piano quintet coached by Professor Craig Purdy, took third place in the nation several years ago. For more information, call Belfy at 426-1216.

Contact:
Jeanne Belfy
Music department
426-1216

Media Contact:
Pat Pyke
communications and marketing
426-1987