Role

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Ensemble

 

The Contemporary Chamber Players University of Chicago is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been active for over six decades. Founded in 1964 by composer Ralph Shapey, the group has become a fixture in the Chicago music scene, known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music. Shapey, who served as the ensemble's director until his death in 2002, was a prominent figure in the American avant-garde music movement. He sought to create a space for new and experimental music to be performed and appreciated, and the Contemporary Chamber Players was his vehicle for achieving that goal. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of groundbreaking performances, including the world premiere of Shapey's own "Incantations" in 1964. The piece, which features a complex and dissonant score, was met with both acclaim and controversy, cementing the Contemporary Chamber Players' reputation as a group that was unafraid to push boundaries. Over the years, the ensemble has featured a rotating cast of musicians, many of whom have gone on to become prominent figures in the classical music world. Notable members have included pianist Ursula Oppens, cellist Fred Sherry, and violinist Irvine Arditti. One of the group's most significant achievements was its collaboration with composer and conductor Pierre Boulez in the 1990s. Boulez, who was a frequent guest conductor with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, worked closely with the Contemporary Chamber Players to develop a series of concerts that showcased his own compositions as well as those of other contemporary composers. The ensemble has also been recognized for its commitment to education and outreach. In 1970, it established the Contemporary Chamber Players Composers' Workshop, which provided a platform for young composers to have their works performed and critiqued by professional musicians. The workshop has since evolved into the University of Chicago's Department of Music Composition Program, which continues to support emerging composers. In addition to its regular concert series, the Contemporary Chamber Players has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals, including the Ravinia Festival, the Kennedy Center, and the Edinburgh Festival. The group has also been featured on numerous recordings, including a 1995 album of Shapey's music that was nominated for a Grammy Award. Despite the passing of its founder, the Contemporary Chamber Players remains an active and vital force in the classical music world. Under the direction of Shulamit Ran, a composer and former member of the ensemble, the group continues to champion new and innovative music, ensuring that Shapey's legacy lives on.

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