Role

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Ensemble

 

Ensemble X is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1997 by Steven Stucky, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and conductor, and Xak Bjerken, a pianist and professor of music at Cornell University. The ensemble is based in Ithaca, New York, and is comprised of a core group of musicians who are also faculty members at Cornell University. The founding of Ensemble X was inspired by a desire to create a flexible and dynamic ensemble that could perform a wide range of classical music repertoire, from traditional chamber music to contemporary works. The ensemble's name, "Ensemble X," reflects this commitment to versatility and experimentation, as the "X" represents the unknown and the unexpected. The core members of Ensemble X include Xak Bjerken on piano, Elizabeth Simkin on cello, and Richard Faria on clarinet. Other members of the ensemble include violinists Susan Waterbury and Ariana Kim, violist Wendy Richman, and percussionist Michael Compitello. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with guest artists and composers. Ensemble X has performed at major venues and festivals throughout the United States and Europe, including the Lincoln Center Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Tanglewood Music Festival. The ensemble has also been featured on numerous recordings, including several albums of contemporary classical music. One of the highlights of Ensemble X's career was their performance of Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians" at the Lincoln Center Festival in 2002. The performance was hailed by critics as a "stunning achievement" and a "triumph of ensemble playing." The ensemble has also received critical acclaim for their performances of works by composers such as John Adams, György Ligeti, and Olivier Messiaen. Ensemble X has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy nomination for their recording of John Adams' "Chamber Symphony" in 2005. The ensemble has also been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble X is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble frequently collaborates with schools and community organizations to provide workshops, masterclasses, and performances for students and audiences of all ages. Overall, Ensemble X is a dynamic and versatile classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. With their commitment to experimentation and collaboration, the ensemble continues to push the boundaries of classical music and inspire audiences around the world.

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