"The Borealis Wind Quintet's intonation was beyond reproach, as was their phrasing. Each player is a virtuoso in his or her own right. This superb and skillful playing has continued to make them one of the most accessible chamber groups in the country." San Luis Obispo (CA) Times	Back to "About the Quintet" page Tamar and husband Rich Wells waltz away with the prizes for their ballroom dancing. Tamar Beach Wells is an accomplished performer on oboe, oboe d'amore and English horn. She is principal oboist with the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, where she was recently the English horn soloist in Copeland's "Quiet City". She performs regularly with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and has been a member of the Springfield Symphony and the Goodspeed and Connecticut Opera orchestras. She has traveled with Andre Boccelli on a concert tour of the United States. Tamar is also principal oboist with the Battell Chamber Orchestra of the internationally acclaimed children's choir, Chorus Angelicus. In addition to her orchestral experience, Tamar is familiar to many congregations and choral societies, appearing frequently as a soloist in the tri-state area. Other facets of her career include recording with Borealis and soul singer Darryl Tookes. Tamar has appeared annually on Connecticut Public Television in the Boar's Head Festival, and on many National Public Radio affiliates. Teaching is a primary commitment for Tamar. She has taught at the Hartt School and at the University of Connecticut. She presents numerous workshops and master classes at the middle school, high school and college levels and also maintains an active private studio. Tamar received degrees, from the Hartt School, where she studied with Humbert Lucarelli, and from Juilliard, where she studied with Robert Bloom and Ronald Roseman. When she is not scraping reeds at her home in the Berkshires, Tamar can usually be found in one of two places. Wild horses couldn't tear Tamar away from the oboe, but this domestic one, with daughters Alicia and Rebecca and friends is pretty convincing! She may be with her husband, Richard, at the Steps in Time Studio, dancing American or International Smooth or Rhythm. She and Rich have won many blue ribbons in the studio, primarily because they are often the only competitors in their category. Rich enjoys ballroom dancing because he can tell Tamar what to do, and she has to listen. Tamar enjoys dancing because if there is a mistake, Rich, according to ballroom etiquette, is always wrong. Their two teenage daughters, Rebecca and Alicia have taken little time to surpass their parents ballroom skills. On days when there is a free hour or two, Tamar exercises at the health club hoping that staying in good condition makes playing an instrument as physical as the oboe a little bit easier. However, sore lats and quads don't always enhance a performance. top of page