Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

The Schirmer Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1984 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is named after the famous music publisher G. Schirmer, Inc., which was founded in 1861 and has published works by some of the greatest composers in history. The founding members of the Schirmer Ensemble were violinist Mark Kaplan, violist Richard Young, cellist Leslie Parnas, and pianist Anne Epperson. All four musicians were accomplished performers in their own right, and they came together to form the ensemble with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of chamber music. Over the years, the Schirmer Ensemble has undergone some changes in its membership, but it has always maintained a high level of musical excellence. Some of the musicians who have been part of the ensemble at various times include violinists Ani Kavafian and Ida Kavafian, violist Paul Neubauer, cellist Peter Wiley, and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott. One of the highlights of the Schirmer Ensemble's career was its performance at the White House in 1992. The ensemble was invited to perform for President George H.W. Bush and his guests, and they played a program of works by Mozart, Brahms, and Dvorak. The performance was well-received, and it helped to raise the profile of the ensemble. Another notable performance by the Schirmer Ensemble was its appearance at the Mostly Mozart Festival in New York City in 1995. The ensemble performed a program of works by Mozart, including his Piano Quartet in G minor and his String Quintet in C major. The performance was praised by critics, who noted the ensemble's tight ensemble playing and sensitive interpretation of the music. In addition to its performances, the Schirmer Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1990, the ensemble was awarded the Naumburg Chamber Music Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards for chamber music in the United States. The award recognized the ensemble's outstanding musicianship and its contributions to the field of chamber music. The Schirmer Ensemble has also recorded several albums over the years, including a recording of works by Brahms and a recording of works by Mozart. The ensemble's recordings have been well-received by critics, who have praised the ensemble's technical skill and musical sensitivity. Today, the Schirmer Ensemble continues to perform and record, and it remains one of the most respected and admired chamber music ensembles in the world. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and its passion for chamber music have made it a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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