Ensemble Dal Niente is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Chicago, Illinois. The ensemble was founded in 2004 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about exploring new and experimental music. Since its inception, Ensemble Dal Niente has become one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene. The founding members of Ensemble Dal Niente were Ryan Muncy, Ben Melsky, and Amanda DeBoer Bartlett. They were all students at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music at the time and were interested in exploring new and experimental music. They were soon joined by other like-minded musicians, and the ensemble began to take shape. Ensemble Dal Niente's name comes from a phrase in Italian that means "from nothing." This reflects the ensemble's commitment to exploring new and experimental music that is often outside of the mainstream. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by contemporary composers such as George Lewis, Augusta Read Thomas, and Marcos Balter, as well as lesser-known composers and works from the 20th century. One of the highlights of Ensemble Dal Niente's early years was their performance at the 2006 New Music Festival at Bowling Green State University. The ensemble performed works by composers such as Brian Ferneyhough, György Ligeti, and Salvatore Sciarrino, and received critical acclaim for their performances. Over the years, Ensemble Dal Niente has grown in size and reputation. The ensemble now includes over 20 musicians, and has performed at major venues and festivals around the world. Some of the ensemble's most notable performances include their appearances at the Darmstadt International Summer Course for New Music in Germany, the MATA Festival in New York City, and the Ear Taxi Festival in Chicago. Ensemble Dal Niente has also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2012, the ensemble was awarded the Kranichstein Music Prize at the Darmstadt International Summer Course for New Music. The prize is awarded to ensembles that demonstrate exceptional musicianship and a commitment to new and experimental music. In 2016, Ensemble Dal Niente released their debut album, "Balancing Acts," which features works by contemporary composers such as Aaron Einbond, Chaya Czernowin, and Anthony Cheung. The album received critical acclaim and was named one of the best classical albums of the year by The New York Times. Ensemble Dal Niente's commitment to new and experimental music has also led to collaborations with other artists and ensembles. In 2018, the ensemble collaborated with the Chicago-based contemporary dance company, The Seldoms, on a performance titled "Florentine: The True Story of the Renaissance." The performance combined contemporary music and dance to explore the history and legacy of the Renaissance. Ensemble Dal Niente's current members include Ryan Muncy (saxophone), Ben Melsky (harp), Amanda DeBoer Bartlett (soprano), Emma Hospelhorn (flute), T.J. Borden (cello), and Mabel Kwan (piano), among others. The ensemble is led by artistic director Michael Lewanski, who is also a conductor and composer. Ensemble Dal Niente continues to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music and explore new and experimental works. The ensemble's commitment to innovation and excellence has made them one of the most respected and exciting ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene.

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