Notturna is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances that showcase the beauty and complexity of classical music. The founding members of Notturna were violinist Yibin Li, violist Nathan Schram, cellist Michael Katz, and pianist Wei-Yi Yang. All four musicians had extensive experience performing in various orchestras and chamber groups, and they came together with the goal of creating a new kind of ensemble that would push the boundaries of classical music. From the beginning, Notturna was committed to exploring the full range of classical music, from the Baroque era to contemporary compositions. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Shostakovich, as well as lesser-known composers from around the world. One of the highlights of Notturna's early career was its debut performance at the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City in 2013. The ensemble received critical acclaim for its performance of Beethoven's "Archduke" Trio, which showcased the musicians' technical skill and emotional depth. Over the years, Notturna has continued to perform at prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, and the Festival de Musique de Menton in France. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, including the renowned choreographer Mark Morris. In addition to its live performances, Notturna has released several recordings that have received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. The ensemble's debut album, "Notturna," features works by Schubert, Brahms, and Shostakovich, and was hailed by The New York Times as "a stunning debut from a group of musicians who are clearly at the top of their game." Notturna has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors for its contributions to classical music. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to exploring new and innovative repertoire. The following year, Notturna was named a finalist for the prestigious Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Program, which provides support for ensembles to develop new works and engage with their communities. Despite its many accomplishments, Notturna remains committed to its original mission of exploring the full range of classical music and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in chamber music. The ensemble continues to perform and record new works, collaborate with other artists, and inspire audiences around the world with its innovative and dynamic performances.

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