Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Parnassus is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1997 by conductor Anthony Korf and pianist Charles Neidich. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative programming and performances of both contemporary and traditional classical music. The founding members of Parnassus were all accomplished musicians in their own right. In addition to Korf and Neidich, the ensemble included violinist Curtis Macomber, violist Lois Martin, cellist Chris Finckel, and bassist John Feeney. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include a rotating cast of musicians, but the core group of Korf, Neidich, Macomber, Martin, and Finckel has remained constant. One of the hallmarks of Parnassus is its commitment to performing contemporary classical music. The ensemble has premiered numerous works by living composers, including John Zorn, Elliott Carter, and Milton Babbitt. In addition to contemporary music, Parnassus also performs traditional classical repertoire, with a particular focus on the music of Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. Parnassus has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and has been featured at numerous music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Festival and the Mostly Mozart Festival. One of the highlights of Parnassus's career was its performance of John Zorn's "Cobra" at the Miller Theatre in New York City in 2009. "Cobra" is a highly improvisational piece that requires the musicians to follow a set of rules and cues in order to create a unique performance each time it is played. Parnassus's performance of "Cobra" was widely praised for its energy and creativity, and the ensemble was invited to perform the piece again at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in England. In addition to its performances, Parnassus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. The ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001, and was named a Chamber Music America Ensemble of the Year in 2003. Parnassus has also been featured on numerous recordings, including a critically acclaimed album of Mozart's chamber music. Despite its success, Parnassus remains committed to its mission of bringing innovative and exciting classical music to audiences around the world. The ensemble continues to perform and record new works by living composers, and is dedicated to exploring the boundaries of classical music through its performances and collaborations.

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