Black Oak Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The ensemble is made up of three main members: Desirée Ruhstrat on violin, David Cunliffe on cello, and Aurélien Fort Pederzoli on viola. The group is known for their unique blend of classical and contemporary music, as well as their ability to connect with audiences through their performances. Desirée Ruhstrat, the violinist of the group, is a graduate of the Juilliard School and has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras around the world. David Cunliffe, the cellist, is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, and has performed with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Aurélien Fort Pederzoli, the violist, is a graduate of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and has performed with orchestras such as the Orchestre de Paris and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. The ensemble's name, Black Oak, was inspired by the black oak trees that grow in the Midwest region of the United States, where the group is based. The group's mission is to bring classical music to a wider audience and to showcase the beauty and diversity of the genre. Since their founding, Black Oak Ensemble has performed at numerous venues and festivals around the world, including the Ravinia Festival, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. They have also collaborated with a variety of artists, including jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis and composer Augusta Read Thomas. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance at the 2018 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The group was invited to perform at the event, which is attended by world leaders and influential figures from various industries. Their performance was well-received and helped to bring classical music to a wider audience. In addition to their performances, Black Oak Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades. In 2017, they were awarded the prestigious Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program Grant, which allowed them to commission a new work by composer Stacy Garrop. The resulting piece, "Glacier Blue," was premiered by the ensemble in 2018 and has since been performed at various venues around the world. Overall, Black Oak Ensemble is a talented and innovative classical music ensemble that is dedicated to bringing the beauty and diversity of the genre to a wider audience. With their unique blend of classical and contemporary music and their ability to connect with audiences through their performances, they are sure to continue to make an impact in the world of classical music for years to come.

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