Role

:

Ensemble

 

Real Quiet is a contemporary classical music ensemble that was founded in 1999 by four musicians who shared a passion for exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music. The founding members of the group were flutist Felix Skowronek, clarinetist Andy Laster, pianist Wayne Horvitz, and percussionist Bobby Previte. The ensemble's name, Real Quiet, is a nod to the dynamic range of their music, which often features moments of extreme quietness and stillness juxtaposed with explosive bursts of sound and energy. The group's repertoire is eclectic and diverse, drawing on a wide range of influences from jazz, rock, and world music to contemporary classical and avant-garde styles. Real Quiet quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and boundary-pushing performances, and they were soon invited to perform at major festivals and venues around the world. Some of the highlights of their early career include performances at the Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City, the Festival Internacional de Música Contemporánea de Tres Cantos in Spain, and the Festival de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville in Canada. In 2000, Real Quiet released their debut album, Real Quiet, which was met with critical acclaim and helped to establish the group as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in contemporary classical music. The album features a mix of original compositions and arrangements of works by composers such as John Cage, Steve Reich, and Charles Ives. Over the years, Real Quiet has undergone some personnel changes, with Skowronek and Laster leaving the group and being replaced by flutist James Newton and clarinetist Evan Ziporyn. However, the core mission of the ensemble has remained the same: to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of traditional classical music. One of the most notable performances in Real Quiet's history came in 2003, when they were invited to perform at the Lincoln Center Festival in New York City. The group performed a program of works by composers such as Horvitz, Ziporyn, and John Zorn, and the performance was hailed as a highlight of the festival. Real Quiet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2001, they were awarded a Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, and in 2003 they received a Meet The Composer Commissioning Music/USA grant. The group has also been featured on NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Weekend Edition," as well as on the BBC's "Late Junction." In recent years, Real Quiet has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music with their innovative and genre-defying performances. They have collaborated with a wide range of artists and composers, including the Kronos Quartet, guitarist Bill Frisell, and composer John Luther Adams. Overall, Real Quiet has established itself as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in contemporary classical music. With their eclectic repertoire, boundary-pushing performances, and commitment to exploring new sounds and styles, they continue to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

More....