Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

The American Music Ensemble Vienna is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1991 by a group of American musicians who were living in Vienna, Austria. The ensemble was created with the goal of promoting American music in Europe and showcasing the talents of American musicians living abroad. The founding members of the American Music Ensemble Vienna were violinist David Frühwirth, cellist David Geringas, and pianist Russell Ryan. Frühwirth and Ryan were both American expatriates living in Vienna, while Geringas was a Lithuanian-born cellist who had also made Vienna his home. The three musicians shared a passion for American music and a desire to bring it to European audiences. The ensemble's early performances were focused on the music of American composers such as George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein. They also performed works by lesser-known American composers, such as William Grant Still and Florence Price. The ensemble's repertoire expanded over time to include works by European composers as well, but their commitment to promoting American music remained a central part of their mission. One of the highlights of the American Music Ensemble Vienna's early years was their performance at the 1992 Salzburg Festival. The ensemble was invited to perform as part of the festival's "American Week," which was dedicated to showcasing American music and culture. The ensemble's performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and it helped to establish the group's reputation as one of the premier classical music ensembles in Europe. Over the years, the American Music Ensemble Vienna has undergone some changes in its membership. David Frühwirth left the ensemble in 1998, and he was replaced by American violinist Benjamin Schmid. Schmid brought his own unique style and perspective to the ensemble, and he helped to expand their repertoire even further. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of other musicians over the years, including American soprano Dawn Upshaw and Austrian pianist Till Fellner. These collaborations have helped to broaden the ensemble's musical horizons and bring new audiences to their performances. In addition to their performances, the American Music Ensemble Vienna has also been recognized for their contributions to the world of classical music. In 2001, they were awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an artist in Austria. The award recognized the ensemble's commitment to promoting American music and culture in Europe, and it helped to cement their place in the pantheon of great classical music ensembles. Today, the American Music Ensemble Vienna continues to perform regularly in Europe and around the world. They have released several recordings over the years, including an album of works by George Gershwin and a collection of American chamber music. Their commitment to promoting American music remains as strong as ever, and they continue to inspire audiences with their passion and talent.

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