Role

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Ensemble

 

The New Black Music Repertory Ensemble (NBMRE) is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1968 by composer and pianist, Hale Smith. The ensemble was created with the aim of promoting and performing the works of African American composers, as well as other composers of color. The NBMRE has since become a leading force in the promotion and performance of classical music by composers of color. Hale Smith, who was a professor of music at the University of Connecticut, founded the NBMRE with the help of a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. The ensemble was initially made up of a group of musicians who were interested in performing the works of African American composers. The ensemble's first performance was held in 1969 at the University of Connecticut. The NBMRE has had a number of members over the years, but some of its most notable members include composer and pianist, Tania León, composer and saxophonist, Oliver Lake, and composer and flutist, Valerie Coleman. These members have all made significant contributions to the ensemble's repertoire and have helped to shape its sound. One of the highlights of the NBMRE's career was its performance at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. The ensemble was invited to perform at the Olympics as part of the cultural program, and their performance was well-received by audiences from around the world. The NBMRE also performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1974, as part of a celebration of African American music. The NBMRE has also been recognized for its contributions to classical music. In 1973, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which helped to fund their performances and recordings. The ensemble has also been featured in a number of documentaries and television programs, including a segment on the PBS program, "Great Performances." The NBMRE has performed a wide range of music over the years, including works by African American composers such as William Grant Still, Duke Ellington, and George Walker, as well as works by other composers of color. The ensemble has also commissioned new works from a number of composers, including Tania León, who has written several pieces for the ensemble. In addition to its performances, the NBMRE has also been involved in educational outreach programs. The ensemble has worked with schools and community organizations to promote classical music and to encourage young people to pursue careers in music. The NBMRE has also conducted workshops and master classes for aspiring musicians. The NBMRE continues to perform and promote classical music by composers of color. The ensemble has released several recordings over the years, including "The Black Composer in America" and "The Black Composer Speaks." The NBMRE's recordings have been praised for their high quality and for their contributions to the classical music canon. In conclusion, the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble has played an important role in promoting and performing classical music by composers of color. The ensemble's founding by Hale Smith in 1968 was a significant moment in the history of classical music, and the NBMRE has since become a leading force in the promotion of music by African American composers and other composers of color. The ensemble's performances at the Olympics and the Kennedy Center, as well as its recognition by the National Endowment for the Arts, are testament to its importance in the world of classical music.

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