Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

EAR Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for contemporary classical music. The ensemble is based in Los Angeles, California, and is known for its innovative and eclectic programming, which features works by both established and emerging composers. The founding members of EAR Ensemble were flutist Rachel Rudich, clarinetist Phil O'Connor, violinist Mark Menzies, cellist Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick, and pianist Vicki Ray. All of these musicians were highly respected performers in the contemporary classical music scene, and they came together with the goal of creating a new ensemble that would showcase the best of contemporary classical music. Since its founding, EAR Ensemble has become one of the most respected and innovative classical music ensembles in the United States. The ensemble has performed at major venues and festivals throughout the country, including the Ojai Music Festival, the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Green Umbrella series, and the Bang on a Can Marathon. One of the highlights of EAR Ensemble's career was its performance at the 2010 Ojai Music Festival, where the ensemble presented a program of works by John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Earle Brown. The performance was widely praised for its innovative programming and virtuosic playing, and it helped to establish EAR Ensemble as one of the leading ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene. In addition to its performances, EAR Ensemble has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "EAR Unit: The Complete Works of Earle Brown," was released in 2006 and received critical acclaim for its innovative programming and virtuosic playing. The album was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The New York Times and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Another highlight of EAR Ensemble's career was its performance at the 2012 Bang on a Can Marathon, where the ensemble presented a program of works by Steve Reich, David Lang, and Julia Wolfe. The performance was widely praised for its energy and virtuosity, and it helped to establish EAR Ensemble as one of the leading ensembles in the contemporary classical music scene. Over the years, EAR Ensemble has undergone some changes in its membership. Some of the original members have left the ensemble, and new members have joined. However, the ensemble's commitment to innovative programming and virtuosic playing has remained constant, and it continues to be one of the most respected and innovative classical music ensembles in the United States. Today, EAR Ensemble is led by flutist Rachel Rudich and clarinetist Phil O'Connor, who are both founding members of the ensemble. The ensemble's current members also include violinist Shalini Vijayan, cellist Ashley Walters, and pianist Aron Kallay. Together, these musicians continue to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music and to inspire audiences with their innovative programming and virtuosic playing.

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