Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

The SONOR Ensemble of USCD is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2010 by a group of graduate students at the University of California, San Diego. The ensemble is dedicated to performing contemporary classical music and has become known for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. The founding members of the SONOR Ensemble were all graduate students in the music department at UCSD. They shared a passion for contemporary classical music and wanted to create an ensemble that would focus on this genre. The founding members were flutist Rachel Beetz, clarinetist Eric KM Clark, violinist Mark Menzies, cellist Franklin Cox, and pianist Aleck Karis. Since its founding, the SONOR Ensemble has grown to include a rotating roster of musicians, including both students and faculty members from UCSD and other universities. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest artists and composers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Roger Reynolds. One of the highlights of the SONOR Ensemble's early years was its performance of Reynolds' "george WASHINGTON" at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2011. The piece, which was commissioned by the ensemble, was a multimedia work that combined live music with video projections and spoken text. The performance was praised for its innovative approach to contemporary classical music and helped to establish the SONOR Ensemble as a leading ensemble in the San Diego area. In addition to its performances of contemporary classical music, the SONOR Ensemble has also been recognized for its educational outreach programs. The ensemble has worked with local schools and community organizations to introduce young people to classical music and to encourage them to pursue careers in music. Over the years, the SONOR Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2013, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its performance of Reynolds' "george WASHINGTON." The ensemble has also been featured on a number of recordings, including a 2015 album of music by Reynolds that was released on the Mode Records label. In recent years, the SONOR Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music with its innovative programming and performances. The ensemble has collaborated with a number of composers and performers to create new works that explore the intersection of music, technology, and multimedia. One of the most notable recent performances by the SONOR Ensemble was its 2019 performance of "The Industry of Light and Magic," a multimedia work by composer Lei Liang. The piece combined live music with video projections and interactive technology to create a unique and immersive experience for the audience. Overall, the SONOR Ensemble of USCD has established itself as a leading ensemble in the world of contemporary classical music. With its innovative programming, high-quality performances, and commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble has become a vital part of the San Diego music scene and a model for contemporary classical music ensembles around the world.

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