Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

New York Festival of Song (NYFOS) is a classical music organization that was founded in 1988 by pianists Michael Barrett and Steven Blier. The organization is dedicated to the performance and promotion of art song, a genre of classical music that features solo voice and piano accompaniment. Michael Barrett and Steven Blier met while studying at the Juilliard School in New York City. They quickly discovered a shared passion for art song and began performing together as a duo. In 1988, they founded NYFOS with the goal of creating a platform for the performance and promotion of this underappreciated genre. The organization's first concert was held in 1988 at the New York Public Library. The program featured works by American composers such as Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber, as well as lesser-known European composers. The concert was well-received, and NYFOS quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Over the years, NYFOS has presented numerous concerts and recitals featuring a wide range of repertoire. The organization has commissioned new works from contemporary composers, and has also revived neglected works from the past. NYFOS has also collaborated with a variety of artists, including singers, instrumentalists, and dancers. One of NYFOS's most notable collaborations was with the late soprano Dawn Upshaw. In 1997, Upshaw and NYFOS presented a program of contemporary art songs at the Tanglewood Music Festival. The program featured works by composers such as John Harbison, Osvaldo Golijov, and William Bolcom. The concert was a critical and commercial success, and Upshaw and NYFOS went on to perform together at venues around the world. NYFOS has also been recognized for its educational initiatives. The organization has presented numerous masterclasses and workshops for young singers and pianists, and has also developed a program called "NYFOS Next," which is dedicated to the performance of new and emerging composers. In addition to its live performances, NYFOS has also released several recordings. The organization's first recording, "New York Festival of Song: American Art Songs," was released in 1991 and featured works by American composers such as Copland, Barber, and Ned Rorem. Since then, NYFOS has released several other recordings, including "Spanish Love Songs" and "A Goyishe Christmas to You!" NYFOS has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2008, the organization was awarded the ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. In 2010, NYFOS received a special citation from the National Endowment for the Arts for its contributions to the field of classical music. Today, NYFOS continues to be a leading organization in the world of art song. The organization's commitment to innovative programming and high-quality performances has earned it a loyal following of fans and supporters. With its ongoing collaborations and educational initiatives, NYFOS is sure to remain a vital force in the classical music world for years to come.

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