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Ensemble

 

IRIS Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 2000 by conductor Michael Stern, the orchestra has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to community engagement. The idea for IRIS Orchestra was born out of a desire to create a new kind of classical music experience. Stern, who had previously served as the music director of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra in Brazil, wanted to build an orchestra that would be both artistically excellent and socially relevant. He envisioned an ensemble that would push the boundaries of traditional classical music, while also connecting with audiences in new and meaningful ways. To bring this vision to life, Stern assembled a group of talented musicians from around the country. The orchestra's name, IRIS, was chosen to reflect the idea of a "rainbow of sound" – a diverse and vibrant palette of musical colors. From the beginning, IRIS Orchestra set itself apart with its innovative programming. The ensemble's repertoire includes both classical masterpieces and contemporary works, with a particular emphasis on American composers. IRIS has commissioned and premiered numerous new works, including pieces by Pulitzer Prize-winning composers Jennifer Higdon and Aaron Jay Kernis. In addition to its artistic programming, IRIS Orchestra has also been committed to community engagement from the start. The orchestra has developed a number of educational programs, including a youth orchestra and a music therapy program for children with special needs. IRIS also regularly performs in non-traditional venues, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers, in order to reach new audiences and make classical music more accessible. Over the years, IRIS Orchestra has earned numerous accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2003, the orchestra was named "Best New American Orchestra" by the League of American Orchestras. IRIS has also been praised for its recordings, which include a critically acclaimed album of works by American composer John Adams. One of the highlights of IRIS Orchestra's history was its performance at the 2010 Aspen Music Festival. The orchestra was invited to perform as part of the festival's "American Mavericks" series, which celebrated the work of groundbreaking American composers. IRIS performed works by Adams, Charles Ives, and Lou Harrison, among others, to great acclaim. Another notable moment for IRIS Orchestra came in 2015, when the ensemble performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The orchestra was invited to participate in the SHIFT Festival, a week-long celebration of American orchestras. IRIS performed a program of works by American composers, including Higdon's "blue cathedral" and Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." In recent years, IRIS Orchestra has continued to push the boundaries of classical music while also deepening its commitment to community engagement. The orchestra has launched a new initiative called "IRIS Connects," which aims to bring classical music to underserved communities in Memphis and beyond. Through this program, IRIS musicians perform in schools, community centers, and other non-traditional venues, and also offer workshops and other educational opportunities. As IRIS Orchestra looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding vision of creating a new kind of classical music experience.

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