Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Apple Hill Chamber Players is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 50 years. Founded in 1971 by Gene Rosov and Lenny Matczynski, the ensemble has become a staple in the classical music community, known for their innovative programming and commitment to education. The ensemble's founding members, Rosov and Matczynski, were both accomplished musicians with a passion for chamber music. Rosov, a violinist, had previously played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, while Matczynski, a violist, had performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Together, they envisioned a chamber music ensemble that would bring together musicians from diverse backgrounds and create a unique and dynamic sound. The ensemble's name, Apple Hill, was inspired by the location of their first rehearsal space, a farmhouse in Nelson, New Hampshire, situated on a hill surrounded by apple orchards. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of summer concerts in the Nelson Town Hall, which quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality performances and innovative programming. Over the years, the ensemble has undergone several changes in membership, but has remained committed to its founding principles of collaboration, innovation, and education. Today, the ensemble is made up of a core group of musicians, including Elise Kuder (violin), Michael Kelley (violin), Mike Kelley (viola), Rupert Thompson (cello), and Theresa Bogard (piano), as well as a rotating roster of guest artists. One of the ensemble's most notable achievements is their commitment to education. In addition to their regular concert schedule, the Apple Hill Chamber Players also run a summer chamber music workshop, which brings together young musicians from around the world to study and perform together. The workshop, which has been running for over 40 years, has become a cornerstone of the ensemble's mission to promote the art of chamber music and inspire the next generation of musicians. The ensemble's performances have been praised for their technical precision, emotional depth, and innovative programming. They have performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. They have also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, and the Borromeo String Quartet. One of the ensemble's most memorable performances was their 2001 concert at the United Nations, which was part of a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The ensemble performed a program of music from around the world, highlighting the power of music to bring people together and promote understanding. The ensemble has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2017, they were awarded the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award for their contributions to the state's cultural landscape. They have also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Program, and the American Composers Forum.

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