Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Winds of the London Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that is part of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). The ensemble is made up of the wind and brass players of the LSO, and was founded in 1988 by the orchestra's then-principal conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas. The ensemble's main members include some of the most talented wind and brass players in the world, including Andrew Marriner (clarinet), Gareth Davies (flute), Philip Cobb (trumpet), and Richard Watkins (horn). Marriner has been the principal clarinetist of the LSO since 1986, while Davies has been the principal flutist since 2000. Cobb joined the LSO as principal trumpet in 2009, and Watkins has been the principal horn since 1985. The Winds of the LSO has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Barbican Centre in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall in New York. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Valery Gergiev, and Bernard Haitink. One of the highlights of the ensemble's performances was their 2012 concert at the Barbican Centre, where they performed a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The concert was praised by critics for its "exquisite playing" and "impeccable ensemble work." The ensemble has also received critical acclaim for their recordings, including their 2015 album of works by Richard Strauss, which was described by Gramophone magazine as "a triumph of virtuosity and musicality." The Winds of the LSO has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2011, the ensemble was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Award, which is given to "an outstanding group of musicians who have made a significant contribution to musical life in the UK." The ensemble has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings, including their 2017 album of works by Aaron Copland. In addition to their performances with the LSO, the Winds of the LSO also performs as a standalone ensemble, and has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. The ensemble is known for their dynamic and engaging performances, which showcase the unique sound and virtuosity of the wind and brass players of the LSO. Overall, the Winds of the London Symphony Orchestra is a world-class ensemble that has established itself as one of the premier wind and brass ensembles in the world. With their impeccable musicianship, dynamic performances, and extensive repertoire, the ensemble continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

More....