Philharmonia Virtuosi is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1979 by Richard Kapp, a renowned conductor and pianist. The ensemble is known for its exceptional performances of Baroque and Classical music, as well as its commitment to promoting the works of contemporary composers. Richard Kapp, who served as the ensemble's music director until his death in 2006, was a highly respected conductor and pianist. He had previously served as the music director of the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts, and had conducted numerous orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. Kapp founded Philharmonia Virtuosi with the goal of creating a chamber orchestra that would be dedicated to performing the works of the Baroque and Classical periods with the same level of precision and passion as a full symphony orchestra. The ensemble's main members have included some of the most talented musicians in the classical music world. These have included violinists Glenn Dicterow, Ani Kavafian, and Elmar Oliveira, cellist Nathaniel Rosen, and flutist Paula Robison, among others. The ensemble has also featured numerous guest soloists, including pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Philharmonia Virtuosi has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and has performed at numerous music festivals, including the Mostly Mozart Festival and the Newport Music Festival. One of the highlights of Philharmonia Virtuosi's career was its performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The ensemble was chosen to represent the United States at the Cultural Olympiad, and performed a program of American music that included works by Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and Leonard Bernstein. The performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world, and helped to establish Philharmonia Virtuosi as one of the premier classical music ensembles in the United States. Another notable performance by Philharmonia Virtuosi was its 1990 concert at the Vatican in Rome. The ensemble was invited to perform for Pope John Paul II, and presented a program of Baroque music that included works by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. The performance was a great success, and helped to further cement Philharmonia Virtuosi's reputation as a world-class ensemble. Over the years, Philharmonia Virtuosi has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. The ensemble has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and has won several ASCAP Awards for its commitment to promoting the works of contemporary composers. In addition, the ensemble has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its exceptional musicianship and its ability to bring the works of the Baroque and Classical periods to life. Today, Philharmonia Virtuosi continues to perform and record under the direction of its current music director, Carl Topilow. The ensemble remains committed to its mission of promoting the works of the Baroque and Classical periods, as well as the works of contemporary composers. With its exceptional musicianship and its dedication to excellence, Philharmonia Virtuosi is sure to remain one of the premier classical music ensembles in the world for many years to come.

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