Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Sylvan Winds is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and exceptional performances for over 30 years. The ensemble was founded in 1979 by five musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to explore the vast repertoire of wind music. The founding members of Sylvan Winds were flutist Susan Rotholz, oboist Kathy Halvorson, clarinetist Ronald Roseman, bassoonist Frank Morelli, and horn player William Purvis. All five musicians were accomplished performers with extensive experience in orchestral and chamber music settings. They came together with the goal of creating a wind ensemble that would showcase the beauty and versatility of wind instruments. From the beginning, Sylvan Winds was committed to performing a wide range of repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. The ensemble's name, "Sylvan," reflects their love of nature and the outdoors, as well as their desire to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful. Over the years, Sylvan Winds has become known for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to bring out the unique qualities of each instrument in the ensemble. The group has also been praised for their innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. One of the highlights of Sylvan Winds' career was their performance at the 1992 Olympic Arts Festival in Barcelona, Spain. The ensemble was one of only a handful of American groups invited to perform at the festival, which showcased the best in international arts and culture. Sylvan Winds' performance was a huge success, earning them critical acclaim and international recognition. In addition to their performance at the Olympic Arts Festival, Sylvan Winds has also been featured at numerous other prestigious venues and festivals. These include the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, the Kennedy Center, the Tanglewood Music Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival, among others. Sylvan Winds has also collaborated with many renowned musicians and composers over the years. These include pianist Emanuel Ax, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and composer John Harbison, among others. The ensemble has premiered many new works by contemporary composers, and has been recognized for their contributions to the world of contemporary music. In addition to their performances, Sylvan Winds is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted masterclasses and workshops for students of all ages, and has worked with many schools and community organizations to promote the importance of music education. Throughout their career, Sylvan Winds has received numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional performances and contributions to the world of classical music. These include the ASCAP-Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming, the Naumburg Chamber Music Award, and the CMA/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. Today, Sylvan Winds continues to inspire audiences with their beautiful music and innovative programming. The ensemble has undergone some changes over the years, with new members joining and original members retiring, but their commitment to excellence and their love of wind music remains as strong as ever.

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