Ensemble Obligat is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in New York City and has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The founding members of Ensemble Obligat were violinist Jennifer Choi, cellist Wendy Sutter, and pianist Kathleen Supové. All three musicians had established successful careers as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the ensemble. They were joined by clarinetist Vasko Dukovski and percussionist David Cossin, both of whom were also highly regarded musicians in their own right. From the beginning, Ensemble Obligat set out to explore the boundaries of chamber music and to bring new and exciting works to audiences. The ensemble's repertoire includes both classical and contemporary works, and they have commissioned numerous new pieces from composers such as John Zorn, Annie Gosfield, and Lukas Ligeti. One of the highlights of Ensemble Obligat's early career was their performance at the Bang on a Can Marathon in 2006. This annual event, which takes place in New York City, showcases cutting-edge contemporary music and attracts a large and enthusiastic audience. Ensemble Obligat's performance was widely praised for its energy and virtuosity, and it helped to establish the ensemble as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary music scene. Over the years, Ensemble Obligat has continued to push the boundaries of chamber music and to collaborate with a wide range of artists and composers. They have performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Lincoln Center Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. In addition to their live performances, Ensemble Obligat has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Obligat," was released in 2008 and featured works by John Zorn, Annie Gosfield, and Lukas Ligeti. The album was praised for its adventurous spirit and its ability to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary music. Ensemble Obligat has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, they were awarded a Chamber Music America Commissioning Grant, which allowed them to commission a new work from composer Annie Gosfield. The resulting piece, "Almost Truths and Open Deceptions," was premiered by Ensemble Obligat in 2011 and has since been performed by other ensembles around the world. In 2013, Ensemble Obligat was awarded a prestigious New Music USA grant to support the creation and performance of a new work by composer Lukas Ligeti. The resulting piece, "Pattern Transformation," was premiered by Ensemble Obligat in 2014 and has been hailed as a groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of chamber music. Today, Ensemble Obligat continues to be a leading force in the world of contemporary chamber music. The ensemble's current members include Jennifer Choi (violin), Wendy Sutter (cello), Kathleen Supové (piano), Vasko Dukovski (clarinet), and David Cossin (percussion). They continue to perform and record new works by some of the most exciting and innovative composers working today, and they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of chamber music.

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