Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Calliope is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1981 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The group is named after the Greek muse of epic poetry and music, and it is dedicated to performing and promoting traditional music from around the world. The founding members of Calliope were a group of musicians who shared a passion for folk music and wanted to explore the connections between different musical traditions. The original lineup included fiddler and singer Ellen Gozion, guitarist and singer Dave Krysty, and multi-instrumentalist and singer Bob Artis. Over the years, the group has undergone some changes in membership, but it has always maintained a commitment to high-quality performances and a diverse repertoire. One of the highlights of Calliope's early years was its participation in the 1982 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. The festival brought together musicians, dancers, and craftspeople from around the world to showcase their traditions and share their knowledge with the public. Calliope was one of the featured performers, and the group's lively and engaging performances drew enthusiastic crowds. In the years that followed, Calliope continued to build its reputation as a versatile and talented ensemble. The group's repertoire includes music from many different cultures, including Irish, Scottish, Appalachian, and African American traditions. Calliope's members are skilled at playing a variety of instruments, including fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and percussion, and they often incorporate vocal harmonies into their performances. One of the hallmarks of Calliope's performances is the group's ability to engage with its audience. Whether playing at a small coffeehouse or a large concert hall, the members of Calliope are known for their warm and welcoming stage presence. They often share stories and historical context about the music they are playing, and they encourage audience participation through clapping, singing, and dancing. Over the years, Calliope has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 1990, the group was awarded a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowship, which recognized its contributions to the state's cultural heritage. In 1995, Calliope was named the Best Acoustic Band by the Pittsburgh City Paper, and in 2001, the group received the Allegheny County Cultural Enrichment Award. In addition to its live performances, Calliope has also released several albums of traditional music. The group's first album, "Calliope: Pittsburgh's Folk Music Society," was released in 1983 and featured a mix of traditional and original songs. Subsequent albums have focused on specific musical traditions, such as "The Fiddler's Friend," which features Irish and Scottish tunes, and "Appalachian Roots," which explores the music of the Appalachian region. Calliope has also been involved in educational outreach programs, bringing traditional music to schools and community centers throughout the Pittsburgh area. The group's members have taught workshops on fiddle, guitar, and other instruments, and they have shared their knowledge of traditional music with students of all ages. In recent years, Calliope has continued to evolve and expand its repertoire. The group has incorporated more contemporary songs and arrangements into its performances, while still maintaining its commitment to traditional music.

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