Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Bowed Piano Ensemble is a unique and innovative classical music group that has been captivating audiences around the world for over three decades. The ensemble was founded in 1987 by Stephen Scott, a composer and pianist who was interested in exploring the sonic possibilities of the piano beyond its traditional use as a keyboard instrument. Scott's vision was to create a new kind of ensemble that would use the piano as a source of sound rather than just a means of playing notes. He began experimenting with different techniques for bowing the piano strings, using everything from fishing line to cello bows to create a range of sounds and textures. The first performance of the Bowed Piano Ensemble took place in 1988 at the University of Colorado, where Scott was a professor of music. The group consisted of six pianos, each with its own set of bows and mallets, and the performance was a huge success, with audiences amazed by the otherworldly sounds that the ensemble was able to produce. Over the years, the Bowed Piano Ensemble has grown and evolved, with new members joining and new techniques and instruments being added to the mix. Today, the group consists of up to 12 pianos, each with its own set of bows, mallets, and other tools for creating unique sounds. One of the highlights of the Bowed Piano Ensemble's career was their performance at the 1992 Olympic Arts Festival in Barcelona, Spain. The group was invited to perform as part of the festival's opening ceremony, and their performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. Another major performance for the ensemble was their appearance at the 1996 Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. This annual music festival is known for showcasing cutting-edge and experimental music, and the Bowed Piano Ensemble was a perfect fit for the event. In addition to their live performances, the Bowed Piano Ensemble has also released several albums over the years, including their debut album "Bowed Piano" in 1991 and "Rainbows" in 2000. These albums showcase the group's unique sound and innovative approach to classical music. The Bowed Piano Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation. They have also been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. Despite their success and acclaim, the Bowed Piano Ensemble remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new ways of creating sound. They continue to perform and record, and their music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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