Gowanus Arts Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 in Brooklyn, New York. The ensemble was founded by a group of musicians who shared a passion for classical music and a desire to bring it to a wider audience. The main members of the ensemble include violinist and artistic director Hannah Levinson, cellist and executive director Emily Brausa, violist and administrative director Jessica Meyer, and pianist and composer Daniel Felsenfeld. These four musicians have been the core members of the ensemble since its founding, and they have been joined by a rotating cast of guest musicians for various performances. One of the highlights of the ensemble's early years was their residency at the Old First Reformed Church in Brooklyn. During this residency, the ensemble performed a series of concerts that featured a mix of classical repertoire and contemporary works. The ensemble also collaborated with other artists, including dancers and visual artists, to create multimedia performances that blended different art forms. In 2008, the ensemble released their debut album, "Gowanus Arts Ensemble: Live at the Old First Reformed Church." The album featured live recordings of some of the ensemble's most popular performances, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert. Over the years, the ensemble has performed at a variety of venues and festivals, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Chelsea Music Festival, and the Bang on a Can Marathon. They have also collaborated with a number of composers, including Nico Muhly, Missy Mazzoli, and Judd Greenstein, to premiere new works. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was their 2012 concert at the Ecstatic Music Festival. For this concert, the ensemble collaborated with indie rock band The National to perform a set of songs that blended classical and rock music. The concert was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to bring the ensemble to a wider audience. In addition to their performances, the ensemble has also been recognized for their educational and outreach work. They have worked with schools and community organizations to bring classical music to underserved communities, and they have also offered workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. Overall, Gowanus Arts Ensemble has established itself as a dynamic and innovative force in the classical music world. With their blend of classical repertoire and contemporary works, as well as their collaborations with other artists and their commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble has become a beloved fixture of the Brooklyn music scene and beyond.

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