Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

DownTown Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1983 in New York City. The ensemble was founded by composer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Goode, who wanted to create a group that would explore the boundaries of classical music and incorporate elements of other genres, such as jazz, rock, and world music. The ensemble's main members have included Daniel Goode on clarinet, William Hellermann on guitar, and Tom Chiu on violin. Other members have included David Simons on percussion, Alex Waterman on cello, and Peter Zummo on trombone. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance at the Bang on a Can Marathon in 1990. The Bang on a Can Marathon is an annual music festival that features contemporary classical music and experimental music. The DownTown Ensemble's performance at the festival was well-received and helped to establish them as an important group in the New York City music scene. The ensemble has also performed at other major music festivals, including the New Music America Festival and the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival. They have also performed at venues such as the Knitting Factory and the Kitchen, which are known for their support of experimental music. In addition to their live performances, the DownTown Ensemble has released several albums, including "Goodevil," "Folklore I," and "Folklore II." These albums showcase the ensemble's unique blend of classical music and other genres, and have received critical acclaim. The ensemble has also received several awards and grants throughout their career. In 1991, they received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support their performances and recordings. They have also received grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Meet the Composer organization. Overall, the DownTown Ensemble has been an important and influential group in the New York City music scene. Their innovative approach to classical music has helped to expand the boundaries of the genre and has inspired other musicians to explore new directions in their own work.

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