Talea Ensemble is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in New York City. Founded in 2007 by percussionist Alex Lipowski and flutist Rane Moore, the ensemble has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to performing new works by living composers. The founding members of Talea Ensemble were both graduates of the New England Conservatory of Music and had previously performed together in the Boston-based ensemble, Sound Icon. After moving to New York City, they decided to form their own ensemble with the goal of presenting contemporary classical music in a fresh and engaging way. The name "Talea" comes from a term used in medieval music notation to indicate a repeating rhythmic pattern. This concept of repetition and variation is central to the ensemble's approach to programming, which often features works that explore the interplay between structure and improvisation. Over the years, Talea Ensemble has grown to include a core group of musicians, including Lipowski and Moore, as well as violinist Emi Ferguson, clarinetist Carlos Cordeiro, pianist Stephen Gosling, and cellist Chris Gross. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with guest artists and composers. One of Talea Ensemble's early highlights was its debut concert at the Miller Theatre at Columbia University in 2008. The program featured works by composers such as Tristan Murail, Philippe Hurel, and Kaija Saariaho, and was praised by The New York Times for its "precision and intensity." Since then, Talea Ensemble has gone on to perform at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Lincoln Center Festival, the Venice Biennale, and the Darmstadt International Summer Course for New Music. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of composers, including Helmut Lachenmann, Georg Friedrich Haas, and Rebecca Saunders. In addition to its performances, Talea Ensemble is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has worked with students at institutions such as Columbia University, Harvard University, and the Manhattan School of Music, and has also presented workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. Talea Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for its work. In 2011, the ensemble was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, and in 2014, it was named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America. The ensemble has also been praised by critics for its virtuosity and commitment to new music. Overall, Talea Ensemble has established itself as one of the leading contemporary classical music ensembles in the United States. With its innovative programming, commitment to new music, and dedication to education and outreach, the ensemble is sure to continue making an impact on the classical music world for years to come.

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