Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Flexible Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by a group of musicians who wanted to create a new type of orchestra that was more flexible and adaptable than traditional orchestras. The ensemble is based in New York City and is made up of a core group of musicians who are joined by guest performers for each concert. The founding members of Flexible Orchestra were all experienced classical musicians who had played in traditional orchestras and were looking for a new challenge. They wanted to create an ensemble that could perform a wide range of music, from classical to contemporary, and that could adapt to different venues and audiences. The core members of Flexible Orchestra include conductor and artistic director Ryan Francis, violinist and concertmaster Conrad Harris, cellist and principal cellist Felix Fan, and percussionist and principal percussionist Ian Rosenbaum. These musicians are joined by a rotating cast of guest performers, including some of the top classical musicians in the world. One of the highlights of Flexible Orchestra's early performances was a concert at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City in 2013. The concert featured a program of contemporary music, including works by John Adams, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their performance, with The New York Times calling it "a thrilling and innovative concert." Flexible Orchestra has also performed at a number of other prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. They have collaborated with a wide range of artists, including composer and pianist Timo Andres, jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, and singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane. In addition to their performances, Flexible Orchestra has also received a number of awards and honors. In 2014, they were awarded a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to support their performances and educational programs. They have also been featured on NPR's "Performance Today" and have been praised by critics for their innovative approach to classical music. Overall, Flexible Orchestra is a unique and innovative ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of classical music. With their flexible approach to programming and their commitment to collaboration and experimentation, they are helping to bring classical music to new audiences and to keep the genre relevant and exciting in the 21st century.

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