Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

The University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been active for over five decades. Founded in 1964 by composer Ralph Shapey, the ensemble has been dedicated to the performance and promotion of contemporary classical music. Ralph Shapey, a professor of music at the University of Chicago, founded the ensemble with the aim of providing a platform for the performance of contemporary classical music. The ensemble's first concert was held in 1964, and it featured works by Shapey and other contemporary composers. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Over the years, the University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players has had a rotating cast of members, with many of the most talented musicians in the Chicago area performing with the ensemble at various times. Some of the most notable members of the ensemble have included violinist Shmuel Ashkenasi, cellist Fred Sherry, and pianist Ursula Oppens. The ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. They have also collaborated with some of the most renowned composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Elliott Carter, John Cage, and György Ligeti. One of the highlights of the University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players' career was their performance of Elliott Carter's "Double Concerto" at Carnegie Hall in 1974. The performance was widely praised by critics and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading contemporary classical music ensembles in the world. In addition to their performances, the University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players has also been recognized for their contributions to contemporary classical music. They have received numerous awards and honors, including the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance. The ensemble has also been dedicated to the promotion of contemporary classical music through their commissioning of new works. They have commissioned works from some of the most innovative composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, including George Crumb, Joan Tower, and Augusta Read Thomas. The University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players has also been committed to education and outreach. They have worked with students at the University of Chicago and other institutions to promote contemporary classical music and to provide opportunities for young musicians to perform and learn from some of the most talented musicians in the world. In conclusion, the University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been dedicated to the performance and promotion of contemporary classical music for over five decades. Founded by Ralph Shapey in 1964, the ensemble has had a rotating cast of members and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. They have also been recognized for their contributions to contemporary classical music and have been committed to education and outreach. The University of Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of contemporary classical music.

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