I just read of the passing of Cynthia Steljes, oboist and founding member of Quartetto Gelato…
I didn’t know her personally, but just a few weeks ago, I sent her a letter to tell her about a new project we are working on at MKL Reeds and to ask for her input. I am telling you that only because, for some reason, it made the announcement of her death so much more real to me.
I still remember the first time I listened to their one CD, (the one with the blue cover). I was absolutely shocked by the energy, the life and the unique sound that really was quite unlike anything I had ever heard.
It is truly something special.
Of course, my ear gravitated to the oboe player and I remember running to Google to figure out just who she was.
Our thoughts are with her husband and extended family.
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How do you know if you'll like an oboe reed before you play it? You can't. When the rubber finally hits the road, it hardly matters if the reed is a great one, perfectly customized to your every desire, if it just plain doesn't work well for you. 
My name is Maryn Leister. I am a graduate of the Juilliard Pre-College Division and the Eastman School of Music, where I was a student of Richard Killmer. After graduating from college, I lived in Nashville, TN, then headed to Knoxville, TN, New York City, and finally Chicago...
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It is so sad that she has left us in body but not in sound. I played oboe in school and when I went into the army I had a choice to make… I wanted anf Got adventure in the Army by not telling them I played the Oboe BUT now in my old age I know I made a mistake.
Live and learn
Mac