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Ensemble

 

The Washington National Cathedral Chamber Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Washington, D.C. The orchestra was founded in 1975 by J. Reilly Lewis, who served as its music director until his death in 2016. The ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music, as well as its collaborations with soloists and choral groups. The orchestra's founding was inspired by the desire to create a professional chamber orchestra in the nation's capital that could perform in the acoustically rich setting of the Washington National Cathedral. J. Reilly Lewis, a prominent conductor and organist, was chosen to lead the ensemble due to his expertise in Baroque and Classical music. Under his leadership, the orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The Washington National Cathedral Chamber Orchestra is made up of approximately 30 musicians, many of whom are members of other prominent orchestras in the D.C. area. The ensemble's core members include violinists Elisabeth Adkins and Heather LeDoux Green, violist Katherine Murdock, cellist Sean Neidlinger, and bassist Steven Honigberg. The orchestra also frequently collaborates with guest soloists, including pianist Awadagin Pratt, cellist Zuill Bailey, and violinist Joshua Bell. Over the years, the Washington National Cathedral Chamber Orchestra has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque works by Bach and Handel to Classical works by Mozart and Haydn. The ensemble has also premiered new works by contemporary composers, including David Ott and Steven Gerber. In addition to its regular concert series at the Washington National Cathedral, the orchestra has performed at other venues in the D.C. area, including the Kennedy Center and the National Gallery of Art. One of the orchestra's most notable performances was its 2008 collaboration with the Cathedral Choral Society to perform Handel's Messiah. The performance, which featured soloists including soprano Christine Brandes and tenor Rufus Müller, was praised for its "crisp, clear sound" and "impeccable ensemble playing" by The Washington Post. The orchestra has also received critical acclaim for its performances of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and Mozart's Requiem. In addition to its performances, the Washington National Cathedral Chamber Orchestra has received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2005, the ensemble was awarded the Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in an Artistic Discipline by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The orchestra has also been featured on several recordings, including a 2009 album of works by Bach and Handel. Despite the death of J. Reilly Lewis in 2016, the Washington National Cathedral Chamber Orchestra continues to thrive under the leadership of its current music director, Nigel E. Potts. The ensemble remains committed to its mission of bringing high-quality classical music to audiences in the D.C. area and beyond. With its talented musicians and innovative programming, the Washington National Cathedral Chamber Orchestra is sure to remain a fixture of the classical music scene for years to come.

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