Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Holliger Wind Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over four decades. Founded in 1976 by the Swiss oboist and conductor Heinz Holliger, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and sought-after wind ensembles in the world. Heinz Holliger, who is also a composer and conductor, had a vision of creating a wind ensemble that would showcase the beauty and versatility of wind instruments. He assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his passion for music and his commitment to excellence. The ensemble's founding members included Heinz Holliger (oboe), Maurice Bourgue (oboe), Klaus Thunemann (bassoon), Radovan Vlatkovic (horn), and Klaus Wallendorf (horn). Over the years, the ensemble has undergone some changes in its membership, but it has always maintained its high standards of musicianship and artistry. Today, the Holliger Wind Ensemble consists of Heinz Holliger (oboe), Marie-Lise Schüpbach (oboe), Marc Lachat (clarinet), David Walter (bassoon), and Radovan Vlatkovic (horn). The ensemble has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and has collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors and soloists. Some of the highlights of the ensemble's major performances include its appearances at the Salzburg Festival, the Lucerne Festival, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The ensemble has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The Holliger Wind Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding performances and recordings. In 1983, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for its recording of Mozart's Serenade in B-flat major, K. 361. The ensemble has also received the Diapason d'Or, the Choc de la Musique, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik for its recordings. One of the ensemble's most notable achievements was its performance of Heinz Holliger's "Scardanelli-Zyklus" at the Lucerne Festival in 1993. The piece, which was composed by Heinz Holliger himself, is a cycle of songs based on the poems of Friedrich Hölderlin. The performance was hailed as a triumph of contemporary music and was widely praised for its innovative and daring approach. The Holliger Wind Ensemble has also been recognized for its commitment to education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians in Switzerland and abroad, and has worked with schools and community organizations to promote music education and appreciation. In conclusion, the Holliger Wind Ensemble is a remarkable classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Its founding members, Heinz Holliger, Maurice Bourgue, Klaus Thunemann, Radovan Vlatkovic, and Klaus Wallendorf, set the standard for excellence and artistry that the ensemble has maintained to this day. The ensemble's performances and recordings have earned it numerous awards and accolades, and its commitment to education and outreach has made it a valuable asset to the music community. The Holliger Wind Ensemble is a testament to the power and beauty of wind instruments, and to the enduring legacy of classical music.

More....