Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Contemporary Chamber Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1960 by Arthur Weisberg, a renowned bassoonist and conductor. The ensemble is known for its innovative and eclectic programming, which features a mix of contemporary and classical music. Arthur Weisberg was born in 1921 in New York City and began playing the bassoon at the age of 12. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music and later became a member of the New York Philharmonic. In 1960, he founded the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble with the goal of promoting contemporary music and providing a platform for young composers. The ensemble's early members included some of the most talented musicians of the time, including flutist Paula Robison, oboist Ronald Roseman, and pianist Gilbert Kalish. Over the years, the ensemble has featured a rotating cast of musicians, but its commitment to promoting contemporary music has remained constant. One of the ensemble's early highlights was its performance of the complete chamber music of Arnold Schoenberg in 1964. This was a groundbreaking event, as Schoenberg's music was still considered avant-garde and challenging for many audiences. The ensemble's performance was widely praised for its technical precision and emotional depth. In the years that followed, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble continued to push the boundaries of classical music, performing works by composers such as John Cage, Elliott Carter, and George Crumb. The ensemble also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including jazz musicians, dancers, and visual artists. One of the ensemble's most notable collaborations was with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. In 1970, the ensemble performed live music for Cunningham's dance piece "RainForest," which featured a set designed by Andy Warhol. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as a leading force in contemporary music. Over the years, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 1972, the ensemble won a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance for its recording of George Crumb's "Ancient Voices of Children." The ensemble has also been recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Endowment for the Arts. Despite its many achievements, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble has always remained committed to its mission of promoting contemporary music and supporting young composers. The ensemble has premiered countless new works over the years, and it continues to be a vital force in the world of classical music. Today, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble is still led by Arthur Weisberg, who is now in his nineties. The ensemble's current members include flutist Tara Helen O'Connor, oboist James Austin Smith, and pianist Pedja Muzijevic, among others. The ensemble continues to perform regularly, both in the United States and abroad, and it remains a beloved and respected institution in the world of classical music.

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