La Brea Sinfonietta is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of classical and contemporary music, and its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the classical music world. The founding members of La Brea Sinfonietta were a group of young musicians who had recently graduated from some of the top music schools in the country. They were inspired to start the ensemble after noticing a lack of diversity in the classical music world, both in terms of the music being performed and the musicians themselves. They wanted to create a space where classical music could be performed in a way that was both innovative and inclusive. The main members of La Brea Sinfonietta are conductor and artistic director, Dr. Benjamin Mitchell, and concertmaster, Sarah Chang. Dr. Mitchell is a graduate of the Juilliard School and has conducted orchestras all over the world. He is known for his innovative programming and his commitment to promoting diversity in classical music. Sarah Chang is a world-renowned violinist who has performed with some of the top orchestras in the world. She is known for her virtuosic playing and her commitment to promoting classical music to a wider audience. Since its founding, La Brea Sinfonietta has performed at some of the top venues in Los Angeles, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the top musicians in the world, including Yo-Yo Ma and Lang Lang. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the Hollywood Bowl in 2016. The performance was hailed as a triumph, with critics praising the ensemble's innovative interpretation of the piece. La Brea Sinfonietta has also been recognized for its commitment to promoting diversity in classical music. In 2018, the ensemble was awarded the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, which is given to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity in the arts. The ensemble was also featured in a documentary film called "Breaking the Sound Barrier," which explores the challenges faced by musicians of color in the classical music world. In addition to their performances, La Brea Sinfonietta is also committed to music education. The ensemble regularly performs for school groups and offers workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. They also have a program called "Music for All," which provides free concerts for underserved communities in Los Angeles. Overall, La Brea Sinfonietta is a unique and innovative ensemble that is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the classical music world. With their innovative programming and commitment to music education, they are sure to continue making an impact in the years to come.

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