Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Present Music is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The group was founded in 1982 by Kevin Stalheim, a composer and conductor who had recently moved to Milwaukee. Stalheim was inspired by the contemporary music scene in New York City and wanted to bring that energy and creativity to his new home. In the early years, Present Music was a small group of musicians who performed in local venues and at community events. The group quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and commitment to new music. They began commissioning new works from composers around the world and collaborating with artists from other disciplines, such as dance and visual art. One of the early highlights for Present Music was their performance at the 1985 New Music America festival in Chicago. The festival was a showcase for contemporary music from across the country, and Present Music was one of only a few ensembles from the Midwest to be invited to perform. Their performance was well-received and helped to establish them as a leading contemporary music ensemble in the region. Over the years, Present Music has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, exploring new sounds and styles and collaborating with a wide range of artists. They have commissioned over 300 new works from composers around the world, including some of the most important voices in contemporary classical music. One of the most notable collaborations in Present Music's history was with the Kronos Quartet, one of the most renowned contemporary music ensembles in the world. In 1995, Present Music and Kronos performed together in Milwaukee, presenting a program of new works by composers such as Terry Riley and John Zorn. The concert was a huge success and helped to cement Present Music's reputation as a leading contemporary music ensemble. In addition to their collaborations with other artists, Present Music has also been recognized for their own performances and recordings. They have received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including several Grammy nominations for their recordings of new music. One of the most significant awards for Present Music was the 2011 ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. The award is given to ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to new and innovative programming, and Present Music was recognized for their adventurous and eclectic programming choices. Another highlight for Present Music was their performance at the 2014 New Music Gathering in Baltimore. The gathering is a biennial conference for contemporary music performers and composers, and Present Music was one of only a few ensembles from the Midwest to be invited to perform. Their performance was a showcase of new works by composers such as David Lang and Michael Gordon, and was well-received by the audience and critics alike. Today, Present Music continues to be a leading voice in contemporary classical music, pushing the boundaries of the genre and collaborating with artists from a wide range of disciplines. They remain committed to commissioning new works and presenting innovative programming choices, and are recognized as one of the most important contemporary music ensembles in the United States.

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