In September 2007, BSO oboists Katherine Needleman and Michael Lisicky along with oboist Sandra Gerster spent an artistic residency on Smith Island, MD. The members form the chamber music ensemble 'Trio La Milpa', which is comprised of two oboes and an English horn. The ensemble performed for the island’s remaining 240 residents and the 14 schoolchildren at the island’s Ewell School. The educational performance was sponsored by the BSO On-The-Go outreach program.

The trio performed not only a formal recital but also visited all three churches that form the cornerstone for the island people. The Crisfield Times called the residency “unique and wonderful”. This project comes on the heels of the Trio La Milpa's historic concert tour of Greenland, where the trio became the first American music ensemble to ever perform in that country. The Baltimore Sun recently applauded the trio as "some of Baltimore's best classical musicians".

Read Michael's essay about Smith Island and see more pictures here.