Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Octagon New Music Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1980 by a group of musicians who were passionate about contemporary music. The ensemble is based in New York City and has been performing for over 40 years. The group is known for its innovative programming and its commitment to promoting new music. The founding members of Octagon New Music Ensemble were composers and performers who were interested in exploring new sounds and techniques in music. They wanted to create a platform for contemporary composers to showcase their work and for audiences to experience new and exciting music. The original members of the ensemble included composers and performers such as Joel Chadabe, Charles Dodge, and Alice Shields. Over the years, the ensemble has had many members come and go, but its commitment to new music has remained constant. The current members of the ensemble include some of the most talented and respected musicians in the contemporary classical music scene. These include pianist Lisa Moore, flutist Margaret Lancaster, cellist Greg Hesselink, and percussionist Matthew Gold. Octagon New Music Ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. The ensemble has also performed at many international festivals, including the Warsaw Autumn Festival, the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, and the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico. One of the highlights of Octagon New Music Ensemble's career was its performance of John Cage's "Musicircus" at the New York State Theater in 1991. The performance featured over 100 performers and was a celebration of Cage's life and work. The ensemble also performed a tribute to Cage in 2012, which included a performance of his "Sonatas and Interludes" for prepared piano. Another notable performance by Octagon New Music Ensemble was its collaboration with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 2009. The ensemble performed live music for Cunningham's "Split Sides" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The performance was a tribute to Cunningham, who had passed away earlier that year. Octagon New Music Ensemble has also been recognized for its contributions to contemporary music. The ensemble has received numerous awards and grants, including the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and the Meet the Composer/Reader's Digest Commissioning Program. The ensemble has also been featured on many recordings, including "New Music from Bowling Green" and "Music from the ONME Archive." In addition to its performances, Octagon New Music Ensemble is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has worked with many schools and community organizations to promote contemporary music and to inspire the next generation of musicians. The ensemble has also hosted many workshops and masterclasses, giving young musicians the opportunity to work with some of the most talented performers in the contemporary classical music scene. In conclusion, Octagon New Music Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that has been at the forefront of contemporary music for over 40 years. The ensemble's commitment to new music and innovative programming has made it one of the most respected and influential ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene.

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