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Ensemble

 

Andalucian Dogs is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2003 by four musicians who shared a passion for exploring the intersection of different musical traditions. The group takes its name from a term used by the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca to describe the wild, untamed spirit of Andalusia, the southern region of Spain known for its flamenco music and Moorish influences. The founding members of Andalucian Dogs were violinist Colin Jacobsen, cellist Eric Jacobsen, percussionist Shane Shanahan, and clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. All four musicians had extensive training in classical music, but they were also interested in exploring other genres, such as jazz, folk, and world music. They saw Andalucian Dogs as a way to bring together these different influences and create something new and exciting. Over the years, Andalucian Dogs has expanded and evolved, with different musicians joining and leaving the group. However, the core members have remained Colin Jacobsen, Eric Jacobsen, and Kinan Azmeh. They have been joined by a rotating cast of other musicians, including percussionists, guitarists, and vocalists. One of the highlights of Andalucian Dogs' career was their performance at the 2006 BBC Proms, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world. The group performed a program of music that blended classical, jazz, and Middle Eastern influences, including works by composers such as Bela Bartok, John Zorn, and Osvaldo Golijov. The performance was well-received by both critics and audiences, and helped to establish Andalucian Dogs as a unique and innovative ensemble. Another notable performance by Andalucian Dogs was their collaboration with the Silk Road Ensemble, a group founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma that brings together musicians from different cultures and traditions. Andalucian Dogs and the Silk Road Ensemble performed together at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 2010, playing a program of music that blended Western classical music with Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences. The performance was praised for its virtuosity and its ability to bridge cultural divides. Andalucian Dogs has also received several awards and honors over the years. In 2007, the group was awarded a Chamber Music America grant, which helped to fund their performances and recordings. They were also named a "Rising Star" by the European Concert Hall Organization in 2010, which led to a series of performances in some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe. In addition to their live performances, Andalucian Dogs has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Andalucian Suite," was released in 2007 and featured original compositions by the group members as well as arrangements of traditional music from Spain and the Middle East. Their second album, "Music from the Suitcase," was released in 2010 and featured music that the group had collected on their travels around the world. Overall, Andalucian Dogs is a unique and innovative ensemble that has pushed the boundaries of classical music by blending different musical traditions and cultures. Their performances and recordings have been praised for their virtuosity, creativity, and ability to bridge cultural divides.

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