Help Oskar Perform in Prague

My name is Oskar Gaenssle, also known as Oskar Martinez. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help me pay for the tuition cost of the Prague Summer Nights opera festival 2022 season. This festival is from June 20th to July 19th and consists of performing two of Mozart’s operas (Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni) in Prague and Tabor. In addition to these performances, there are also masterclasses and coaching sessions. I recently passed the audition and was offered a bassoon spot in the festival orchestra, and now seek assistance in paying the costs of attendance. The festival would be a fantastic opportunity to increase my musicianship, gain experience in a dynamic field, and make essential connections.

 

To give some background on me: I grew up in Ishpeming, Michigan, and started the band program in fifth grade. I was very involved in the music program throughout middle school and high school, even providing instrumental accompaniment for the school plays and choir programs. In addition to school music programs, I have also been active in pits for community theaters such as the Vista Theater and the Superior Arts Youth Theater. I started playing for the Marquette Symphony Orchestra in their holiday programs during my junior year of high school. I became a regular orchestra member during my time in college, playing 2nd bassoon, contrabassoon, and even principal bassoon parts. I have also been an active member of the Marquette City Band as a bassoonist throughout high school, even performing as a featured soloist during the 2021 summer concert season. I was fortunate to go on the 2017 Finland tour with the Marquette Choral Society and City Band. Since my eighth grade year, I’ve played bassoon for the Negaunee City Band. I have occasionally played instrumental parts for the NMU choirs and Marquette Choral Society and even more actively played bass and bassoon for the NMU jazz ensembles, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensembles. While playing in school and the community, I have played under the baton of influential conductors like Stephen Grugin, Marcia Hicks, Erin Colwitz, Octavio Mas-Arocas, Barbara Rhyneer, Sheila Grazulis, Mark Flaherty, and Matt Mitchell.

 

Throughout my musical journey, I have met some of my best friends and made great connections, and I am continuously humbled by the support of the community and the opportunities I have been given thus far. For me, playing music is a way of life. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I hadn’t done anything related to music. I am currently in my last semester at Northern Michigan University, seeking my Bachelor’s degree in Music. I hope to continue my career in music by pursuing my Masters in Bassoon Performance from the University of Kentucky and even getting my Doctorate at the Royal Welsh Conservatory of Music and Drama. I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, who have never faltered in their support of my craft despite how difficult things could be. The opportunity to attend this festival would mean the world to me, as it would be something that I would never have imagined I would be able to do. I look forward to new learning opportunities in opera playing and new musical concepts from a wide range of influential musicians, as well as driving myself to become a better musician as a whole.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to what the future may hold. Thank you for your consideration and giving the music community the support it needs to thrive!

 

Best regards,

 

Oskar