Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Callithumpian Consort is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2001 by conductor and composer Stephen Drury, the group has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to performing new and experimental works. Drury, a native of New Zealand, began his musical career as a pianist, studying at the University of Auckland and later at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled performer of contemporary music, and in 1984 he founded the New England Conservatory's Contemporary Music Ensemble, which he directed for over 20 years. In 2001, Drury founded the Callithumpian Consort as a way to further explore the possibilities of contemporary music performance. The group's name comes from the word "callithumpian," which means "a noisy and boisterous parade," reflecting the ensemble's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of classical music. From the beginning, the Callithumpian Consort has been dedicated to performing new and experimental works by living composers. The group has commissioned and premiered numerous pieces by composers such as John Cage, Alvin Lucier, and Christian Wolff, as well as younger and emerging composers. One of the group's most notable performances was a 2012 concert at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, which featured a program of works by John Cage and his contemporaries. The concert was part of a larger celebration of Cage's centennial, and the Callithumpian Consort's performance was praised for its sensitivity and nuance. In addition to its commitment to new music, the Callithumpian Consort has also performed works from the classical canon, including pieces by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. However, even in these more traditional works, the group brings a fresh and innovative approach, often incorporating improvisation and other experimental techniques. Over the years, the Callithumpian Consort has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2010, the group was awarded the prestigious Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, recognizing its commitment to performing new and challenging works. The group has also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including a 2014 album of works by composer Helmut Lachenmann, which was praised by The New York Times for its "fierce and committed performances." Today, the Callithumpian Consort continues to be a leading force in the world of contemporary classical music, pushing boundaries and challenging audiences with its innovative programming and commitment to new and experimental works. With Stephen Drury at the helm, the group shows no signs of slowing down, and is sure to continue making waves in the classical music world for years to come.

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