New Music Players is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1990 by the British composer and conductor, Nicholas Kok. The ensemble is known for its innovative and adventurous approach to contemporary classical music, and has become one of the leading ensembles in the UK for new music. The founding of New Music Players was a response to the lack of opportunities for contemporary classical music in the UK at the time. Kok, who had recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, was frustrated by the limited opportunities for young composers and performers to showcase their work. He decided to form an ensemble that would focus exclusively on contemporary classical music, and would provide a platform for new and emerging composers to have their work performed. The ensemble's first performance was in 1990 at the Purcell Room in London, and featured works by British composers such as Harrison Birtwistle, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Judith Weir. The performance was well-received, and marked the beginning of a long and successful career for the ensemble. Over the years, New Music Players has become known for its commitment to new music, and has commissioned and premiered works by some of the most important composers of our time. The ensemble has worked with composers such as Thomas Adès, George Benjamin, and Mark-Anthony Turnage, and has premiered works at major festivals such as the BBC Proms and the Aldeburgh Festival. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was its performance of Thomas Adès' opera, Powder Her Face, at the Almeida Theatre in London in 1995. The opera, which tells the story of the scandalous life of the Duchess of Argyll, was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Adès as one of the leading composers of his generation. Another notable performance by New Music Players was its collaboration with the Royal Ballet in 2006. The ensemble performed the music for a new ballet, Chroma, which was choreographed by Wayne McGregor. The ballet was a huge success, and was later performed at the Royal Opera House in London. In addition to its performances, New Music Players has also received numerous awards and accolades for its work. The ensemble was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chamber Music Award in 2001, and has been nominated for several other awards over the years. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but its core group of performers has remained consistent. These include violinist Jacqueline Shave, cellist Caroline Dale, and pianist Huw Watkins, all of whom have been with the ensemble since its early days. Jacqueline Shave is the ensemble's leader, and has been praised for her virtuosic playing and her commitment to new music. She has also worked as a soloist and chamber musician, and has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. Caroline Dale is the ensemble's cellist, and has been praised for her rich and expressive playing. She has also worked as a session musician, and has recorded with artists such as Adele, Paul McCartney, and Kylie Minogue. Huw Watkins is the ensemble's pianist, and has been praised for his sensitive and nuanced playing. He is also a composer, and has written works for a variety of ensembles and soloists. In conclusion, New Music Players is a classical music ensemble that has become known for its innovative and adventurous approach to contemporary classical music.

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