Role

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Ensemble

 

Music of Remembrance is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 in Seattle, Washington. The ensemble was created to honor the memory of those who suffered and died during the Holocaust, and to promote the music of composers who were affected by the Holocaust. The founding members of Music of Remembrance were pianist Mina Miller, violinist Mikhail Shmidt, and clarinetist Laura DeLuca. Miller had previously worked as a music teacher and performer, while Shmidt and DeLuca were both members of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The three musicians shared a passion for classical music and a desire to use their talents to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. Over the years, Music of Remembrance has grown to include a number of other musicians, including cellist Walter Gray, violist Susan Gulkis Assadi, and flutist Zart Dombourian-Eby. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest artists, including soprano Ann Moss, baritone Erich Parce, and pianist Craig Sheppard. One of the highlights of Music of Remembrance's early years was its debut performance in 1998, which featured works by composers who were affected by the Holocaust, including Viktor Ullmann, Pavel Haas, and Erwin Schulhoff. The ensemble's performances were well-received by audiences and critics alike, and the group quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier classical music ensembles in the Pacific Northwest. In 2001, Music of Remembrance released its first CD, which featured works by Ullmann, Haas, and Schulhoff, as well as music by contemporary composer Paul Schoenfield. The CD received critical acclaim and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble. Since its founding, Music of Remembrance has performed a wide range of works by composers who were affected by the Holocaust, as well as music by contemporary composers who are inspired by the legacy of the Holocaust. The ensemble has also commissioned a number of new works, including pieces by composers Jake Heggie, Lori Laitman, and Tom Cipullo. One of the most notable performances by Music of Remembrance was its 2005 concert at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The concert featured works by Ullmann, Haas, and Schulhoff, as well as a new work by composer Paul Schoenfield. The concert was attended by a number of Holocaust survivors and their families, and was widely praised for its emotional impact and musical excellence. Music of Remembrance has also been recognized for its contributions to the classical music world. In 2005, the ensemble received the Governor's Arts Award from the State of Washington, and in 2010, the group was awarded the ASCAP/CMA Award for Adventurous Programming. The ensemble has also been featured on a number of radio and television programs, including NPR's Performance Today and PBS's NewsHour. In addition to its performances, Music of Remembrance is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly visits schools and community centers to share its music and message with young people, and has developed a number of educational resources for teachers and students. Today, Music of Remembrance continues to be a leading voice in the classical music world, and a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the victims of the Holocaust. The ensemble's performances are a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, heal, and connect people across time and space.

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