Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Cygnus Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1985 by guitarist William Anderson and flutist Tara Helen O'Connor. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative programming and performances of contemporary classical music. The founding members of Cygnus Ensemble were William Anderson, Tara Helen O'Connor, clarinetist Paul Dunkel, cellist Fred Sherry, and pianist Joan Forsyth. Over the years, the ensemble has had a rotating cast of members, but Anderson and O'Connor have remained the core members. Cygnus Ensemble has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, the Tanglewood Music Festival, and the Warsaw Autumn Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with many prominent composers, including Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, John Zorn, and Steve Reich. One of the highlights of Cygnus Ensemble's career was their performance of Elliott Carter's "Triple Duo" at the Library of Congress in 1990. The piece, which was written specifically for Cygnus Ensemble, features three duos (flute and clarinet, violin and cello, and guitar and piano) that interact with each other in complex and intricate ways. The performance was hailed as a triumph and helped establish Cygnus Ensemble as one of the leading ensembles for contemporary classical music. Another notable performance by Cygnus Ensemble was their collaboration with composer John Zorn on his piece "Cobra" in 1992. "Cobra" is a game piece that allows the performers to improvise and interact with each other in real time. The performance was a tour de force of virtuosity and creativity, and showcased the ensemble's ability to navigate complex and challenging music. Cygnus Ensemble has also been recognized for their recordings, which include works by Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, and John Zorn. Their recording of Carter's "Triple Duo" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1991, and their recording of Babbitt's "All Set" was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The New York Times in 1994. In addition to their performances and recordings, Cygnus Ensemble has also been active in commissioning new works by emerging composers. The ensemble has premiered works by composers such as Derek Bermel, David Lang, and Huang Ruo, and has been a champion of new music throughout their career. Overall, Cygnus Ensemble has established itself as one of the leading ensembles for contemporary classical music. Their innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to new music have made them a vital part of the classical music world.

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