Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Manhattan Marimba Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances for over three decades. Founded in 1984 by marimba virtuoso Nancy Zeltsman, the quartet has become one of the most respected and sought-after ensembles in the world of classical music. The founding of the Manhattan Marimba Quartet was a result of Nancy Zeltsman's desire to create a new sound in classical music. Zeltsman, who had already established herself as a solo marimba performer, wanted to explore the possibilities of the marimba in a chamber music setting. She recruited three other marimba players, William Moersch, Makoto Nakura, and Robert Paterson, to form the quartet. The quartet's unique sound is a result of the combination of four marimbas, which are essentially large xylophones. The marimba has a warm, resonant sound that is similar to the piano, but with a more percussive quality. The quartet's repertoire includes classical works, as well as contemporary pieces that have been specifically written for them. The quartet's main members have changed over the years, but the current lineup includes marimba players Ian David Rosenbaum, Ayano Kataoka, Matthew Keown, and Simon Boyar. All four members are accomplished musicians in their own right, and have performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras and ensembles in the world. One of the highlights of the Manhattan Marimba Quartet's career was their performance at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. The quartet was invited to perform at the opening ceremony, where they played a piece called "Olympic Fanfare" that was specially commissioned for the occasion. The performance was broadcast to millions of people around the world, and helped to establish the quartet as one of the premier classical music ensembles. The quartet has also performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. They have collaborated with some of the most renowned composers and musicians in the world, including Steve Reich, John Cage, and Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to their performances, the Manhattan Marimba Quartet has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. They were the first percussion ensemble to win the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, and have also been awarded the ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. The quartet has also released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Bach on the Marimba," which features their arrangements of Bach's music, and "Marimba Phase," which features the music of Steve Reich. Despite their success, the Manhattan Marimba Quartet remains committed to exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of classical music. They continue to perform around the world, and are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of classical musicians.

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