Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Eastman Musica Nova is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1966 by composer and conductor Raymond Wilding-White. The ensemble is based at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and is made up of graduate students and faculty members from the school. The ensemble's main focus is on contemporary classical music, and it has premiered many new works by both established and emerging composers. Over the years, the ensemble has become known for its innovative programming and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music. One of the highlights of Eastman Musica Nova's early years was its performance of Karlheinz Stockhausen's "Gruppen" in 1968. This piece, which was written for three orchestras, was a major challenge for the ensemble, but they rose to the occasion and delivered a stunning performance that was widely praised. In the years that followed, Eastman Musica Nova continued to push the envelope with its programming, performing works by composers such as John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Gyorgy Ligeti. The ensemble also began to collaborate with other artists, including dancers and visual artists, in order to create multimedia performances that combined music with other art forms. One of the most notable collaborations in the ensemble's history was with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 1972. The two groups worked together to create a performance that combined live music with dance, and the result was a groundbreaking work that was hailed as a major achievement in the world of contemporary art. Over the years, Eastman Musica Nova has continued to perform and record new works by contemporary composers, and the ensemble has won numerous awards and accolades for its work. In 1993, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognized its commitment to performing new and innovative works. Today, Eastman Musica Nova remains one of the most respected and innovative classical music ensembles in the world. Its members continue to push the boundaries of classical music, and the ensemble's performances are eagerly anticipated by audiences and critics alike.

More....