To celebrate their fortieth anniversary, Calefax Reed Quintet commissioned Michel van der Aa to create this new reed quintet. The title “Link” carries multiple meanings: it refers to passages in the odd-numbered movements that demand exceptional precision in ensemble coordination, and more broadly, it represents Calefax’s connection to the international reed quintet community that has flourished in their wake.
Over the past four decades, Calefax has inspired the formation of approximately 70 to 80 reed quintets worldwide. Several of these ensembles contributed to the commissioning of this work, and forty have committed to performing and filming the piece as part of the Calefax Reed Festival celebrations. This global participation underscores the quintet’s lasting influence on the genre.
The work unfolds as five movements—alternating between fast and slow tempos—performed without pause. While each instrument is given featured moments throughout, van der Aa has crafted the piece primarily as a celebration of the reed quintet as an ensemble, honoring both Calefax’s pioneering role and the vibrant community of musicians who continue to expand the repertoire and possibilities of this unique instrumental combination.