Firebird Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2001 in Boston, Massachusetts. The ensemble is known for its innovative and eclectic programming, which combines classical music with contemporary and experimental works. Firebird Ensemble has performed at major venues and festivals across the United States and has received critical acclaim for its performances. The founding members of Firebird Ensemble were flutist and artistic director Elizabeth England, violinist and executive director Kate Vincent, and cellist and administrative director Kirsten Jermé. The ensemble was formed with the goal of creating a new kind of classical music ensemble that would be dedicated to exploring the boundaries of classical music and incorporating new and experimental works into its repertoire. Since its founding, Firebird Ensemble has grown to include a rotating cast of musicians, with a core group of performers who are featured in most of the ensemble's performances. These core members include Elizabeth England on flute, Sarah Brady on oboe, Gabriela Diaz on violin, Kirsten Jermé on cello, and Jeffrey Means on percussion. One of the highlights of Firebird Ensemble's early career was its performance at the 2003 Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. The ensemble performed a program of contemporary works by composers such as John Zorn, David Lang, and Julia Wolfe, and received critical acclaim for its performance. This performance helped to establish Firebird Ensemble as a leading ensemble in the contemporary classical music scene. In 2005, Firebird Ensemble released its debut album, "Firebird Ensemble: Volume One," which featured works by contemporary composers such as Osvaldo Golijov, John Zorn, and David Lang. The album received positive reviews and helped to further establish the ensemble's reputation as a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music. Over the years, Firebird Ensemble has continued to perform at major venues and festivals across the United States, including the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Spoleto Festival USA. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of artists and composers, including jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, composer and performer Meredith Monk, and composer and conductor John Adams. In 2010, Firebird Ensemble was awarded a Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognized the ensemble's commitment to exploring new and innovative works in the classical music repertoire. The award helped to further establish Firebird Ensemble as a leading ensemble in the contemporary classical music scene. In recent years, Firebird Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and other genres into its performances. The ensemble has also continued to collaborate with a wide range of artists and composers, including composer and performer Lisa Bielawa, jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, and composer and conductor John Adams. Overall, Firebird Ensemble has established itself as a leading ensemble in the contemporary classical music scene, known for its innovative programming and commitment to exploring new and experimental works in the classical music repertoire. With a core group of talented performers and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music, Firebird Ensemble is sure to continue to make waves in the classical music world for years to come.

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