Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Boston Chamber Music Society (BCMS) is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 30 years. Founded in 1982 by a group of Boston-based musicians, the BCMS has become one of the most respected chamber music groups in the United States. The founding members of the BCMS were a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. They included Ronald Thomas, a cellist who had previously played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra; Marcus Thompson, a violist who was also a professor at the New England Conservatory of Music; and Jules Eskin, a cellist who was the principal cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra at the time. These three musicians were joined by a number of other talented performers, including violinist Malcolm Lowe, violist Kim Kashkashian, and pianist Gilbert Kalish. From the beginning, the BCMS was committed to performing a wide range of chamber music, from the classics of the 18th and 19th centuries to contemporary works by living composers. The group's first performance was held in November 1982 at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, and it was an immediate success. The BCMS quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional musicianship and its ability to bring new life to even the most familiar works. Over the years, the BCMS has undergone some changes in its membership, but it has always maintained its commitment to excellence. Today, the group is led by Ronald Thomas, who serves as its artistic director and cellist. Other current members include violinists Joanna Kurkowicz and Yura Lee, violist Marcus Thompson, and pianist Mihae Lee. The BCMS has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The group has also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, earning critical acclaim for its performances. One of the highlights of the BCMS's career was its performance at the White House in 1998, where the group played for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. The BCMS has also been featured on numerous radio and television programs, including NPR's "Performance Today" and PBS's "Live from Lincoln Center." In addition to its performances, the BCMS has also been recognized for its recordings. The group has released several albums, including a recording of the complete Beethoven string quartets and a collection of works by Brahms. The BCMS's recordings have received critical acclaim and have been nominated for several Grammy Awards. The BCMS has also been committed to education and outreach. The group has worked with young musicians through its Chamber Music Institute, which provides intensive training in chamber music performance. The BCMS has also performed in schools and community centers, bringing the joy of chamber music to audiences of all ages. In recognition of its exceptional musicianship and contributions to the world of classical music, the BCMS has received numerous awards and honors. In 2007, the group was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. The BCMS has also been recognized by the Boston Music Awards and the Boston Globe. In conclusion, the Boston Chamber Music Society is a world-class ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 30 years.

More....