Role

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Ensemble

Country

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United Kingdom

 

Icebreaker is a British classical music ensemble that was founded in 1989 by James Poke, John Godfrey, and Christian Forshaw. The group is known for its innovative approach to classical music, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music into their performances. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but the core group has remained relatively stable. James Poke, who co-founded the group, is still a member and serves as the artistic director. Other current members include percussionist Simon Limbrick, keyboardist Ruth Wall, and guitarist Pete Wilson. Icebreaker has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Sydney Opera House, and the Lincoln Center in New York. The group has also collaborated with a number of well-known musicians, including Brian Eno, Gavin Bryars, and Philip Glass. One of Icebreaker's most notable performances was their 1994 concert at the Barbican Centre in London, where they performed the entirety of Brian Eno's album "Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks." The concert was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Icebreaker as one of the most innovative and exciting classical music ensembles in the world. Icebreaker has also won a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 1995, the group won the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music, and in 2004 they were awarded the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Artists. The group has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Crossover Album for their 2005 album "Cranial Pavement." Despite their success, Icebreaker has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new and innovative ways to present the genre to audiences around the world. With their unique blend of classical, rock, jazz, and electronic music, the group has become a true icon of the contemporary classical music scene.

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