Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Columbia Chamber Symphony is a classical music ensemble based in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1983 by conductor and music director Edward Hart, the ensemble has become a prominent fixture in the South Carolina music scene, known for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Edward Hart, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, had previously served as the conductor of the South Carolina Philharmonic before founding the Columbia Chamber Symphony. Hart's vision for the ensemble was to create a chamber orchestra that would showcase the talents of local musicians and bring classical music to audiences in the Columbia area. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of successful performances, including collaborations with the Columbia City Ballet and the South Carolina Opera Company. In 1986, the Columbia Chamber Symphony was invited to perform at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, where they received critical acclaim for their performance of Mozart's Symphony No. 40. Over the years, the Columbia Chamber Symphony has continued to build its reputation as one of the premier classical music ensembles in the Southeast. The ensemble's roster includes some of the finest musicians in the region, many of whom are members of the South Carolina Philharmonic and other professional orchestras. One of the highlights of the Columbia Chamber Symphony's history was their performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. The ensemble was selected to perform at the Olympic Village, where they played a program of classical favorites to an international audience. In addition to their live performances, the Columbia Chamber Symphony has also released several recordings, including a critically acclaimed album of works by American composer Samuel Barber. The ensemble has also been featured on numerous radio and television programs, including NPR's "Performance Today" and South Carolina ETV's "Palmetto Scene." Over the years, the Columbia Chamber Symphony has received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the classical music world. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award for the Arts, the highest honor given by the state of South Carolina for contributions to the arts. In 2013, the Columbia Chamber Symphony celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of special performances and events. The ensemble continues to be a vital part of the South Carolina music scene, bringing the beauty and power of classical music to audiences throughout the region.

More....