Elaine Douvas, oboe

Pleasure is the Law is a mixed ensemble comprised of flute, oboe, cello and keyboard, formed in 2002.  Its members are flutist Nadine Asin, oboist Elaine Douvas, cellist Darrett Adkins and harpsichordist/pianist, Steven Beck.  The group is devoted to the exploration of contemporary repertoire composed for this traditional baroque combination.  They take their name and inspiration from the following quote by composer Claude Debussy, “Some people wish above all to conform to the rules.  I wish only to render what I can hear.  There is no theory.  You have only to listen.  Pleasure is the law.”  The quartet issued their debut CD with Boston Records in 2009, honoring the 100th birthday of composer Elliott Carter with a performance of his Sonata for flute, oboe, cello, and harpsichord from 1952.  Also included is the premiere recording of Peter Lieberson’s Feast Day and beautiful, exotic works by Czech composer Ilja Hurnik, Canadian composer Kelsey Jones, Frank Martin, and Hector Berlioz.  The American Record guide hailed the CD, saying, “This is outstanding.  All of the music except the Berlioz was new to me, and I enjoyed hearing it.  You will too.  Performers are superb.  Every piece is flawless, but still played with great passion.  A must find.”  Pleasure is the Law performed the Aspen Music Festival premiere of Olivier Messiaen’s Concert a Quatre with the Festival Orchestra and conductor Christian Arming in 2012, and they have given recitals at Bargemusic in New York City, the Ridgewood (NJ) Patron Series at Westside Church, and faculty recitals at Aspen, Juilliard and Bard College.