Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Xtet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1989 by composer and pianist, Stephen L. Mosko. The ensemble is based in Los Angeles, California, and is known for its innovative and experimental approach to classical music. Stephen L. Mosko, who passed away in 2005, was a highly respected composer and pianist who had a passion for contemporary classical music. He founded Xtet with the goal of creating a platform for new and experimental music that was not being performed by traditional classical music ensembles. The ensemble's main members include violinist Mark Menzies, cellist Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick, flutist Dorothy Stone, clarinetist Brian Walsh, percussionist William Winant, and pianist Vicki Ray. These musicians are all highly skilled and experienced performers who have a deep understanding of contemporary classical music. Xtet has performed at numerous prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Ojai Music Festival, the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Green Umbrella series, and the Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned composers, including John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Gyorgy Ligeti. One of the highlights of Xtet's career was their performance of Morton Feldman's epic six-hour-long work, "For Philip Guston," at the Ojai Music Festival in 2001. This performance was widely praised for its intensity and emotional depth, and it cemented Xtet's reputation as one of the most innovative and daring classical music ensembles in the world. Xtet has also received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 1999, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support their performances and recordings. They have also been recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Fromm Music Foundation for their contributions to contemporary classical music. In addition to their performances, Xtet is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and they have worked with students at many universities and music schools around the world. Overall, Xtet is a truly unique and groundbreaking classical music ensemble that has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary classical music. Their commitment to innovation and experimentation has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting and important classical music ensembles of our time.

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