The Pleyel Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1985 by the pianist Susan Tomes. The ensemble is named after the French piano manufacturer Ignaz Pleyel, who was a contemporary of Mozart and Beethoven. The Pleyel Ensemble is known for its performances of chamber music, particularly works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. The founding members of the Pleyel Ensemble were Susan Tomes on piano, Krysia Osostowicz on violin, and Jane Salmon on cello. All three musicians had previously played together in the Edinburgh Quartet, but they wanted to explore a wider range of repertoire and instrumentation. They were soon joined by the clarinetist Michael Collins, who became a regular member of the ensemble. The Pleyel Ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The ensemble's repertoire includes works for various combinations of instruments, from duos to quintets. The ensemble has also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including James MacMillan and Sally Beamish. One of the highlights of the Pleyel Ensemble's career was its performance at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1990. The ensemble played a program of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, which was highly praised by critics. The ensemble has since performed at many of the world's leading concert halls, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall in New York. The Pleyel Ensemble has also recorded extensively, with over 20 albums to its name. The ensemble's recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Gramophone Award for Chamber Music in 1999 for their recording of Schubert's Trout Quintet. In addition to its performances and recordings, the Pleyel Ensemble is also committed to music education. The ensemble has given masterclasses and workshops at universities and conservatories around the world, and has worked with young musicians through its outreach programs. Over the years, the membership of the Pleyel Ensemble has changed, with various musicians joining and leaving the ensemble. However, the core members of the ensemble have remained the same, with Susan Tomes on piano, Krysia Osostowicz on violin, Jane Salmon on cello, and Michael Collins on clarinet. The Pleyel Ensemble continues to be one of the leading chamber music ensembles in the world, known for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming. The ensemble's commitment to music education and outreach ensures that its legacy will continue for generations to come.

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