Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Videmus is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The founding members of Videmus were violinist Siwoo Kim, cellist Michael Katz, and pianist Euntaek Kim. All three musicians had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the ensemble. They were joined by violist Richard O'Neill, who had also made a name for himself as a soloist and chamber musician. From the beginning, Videmus set out to explore the rich repertoire of chamber music, from the classics of Mozart and Beethoven to the contemporary works of living composers. The ensemble's name, which means "we see" in Latin, reflects its commitment to bringing new perspectives to familiar works and discovering hidden gems in the repertoire. One of Videmus's early highlights was its debut performance at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2006. The program included works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvorak, as well as a world premiere of a piece by the Korean composer Jihyun Kim. The performance was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and established Videmus as a rising star in the chamber music world. Over the years, Videmus has continued to perform at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Seoul Arts Center, and the Edinburgh Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, from classical musicians to jazz and pop performers. One of Videmus's most notable collaborations was with the jazz pianist and composer Fred Hersch. In 2011, the ensemble premiered Hersch's "Leaves of Grass," a song cycle based on the poetry of Walt Whitman. The performance, which featured Hersch on piano and Kurt Elling on vocals, was hailed as a "triumph" by The New York Times. In addition to its performances, Videmus has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "Videmus," was released in 2008 and featured works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann. The album received critical acclaim and was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. Videmus has also been recognized for its commitment to education and outreach. The ensemble has worked with young musicians through masterclasses and workshops, and has performed in schools and community centers around the world. In 2015, Videmus launched the Videmus Young Artists Program, which provides mentorship and performance opportunities to young musicians. Today, Videmus continues to push the boundaries of chamber music, exploring new repertoire and collaborating with a diverse range of artists. The ensemble's current members include violinist Siwoo Kim, violist Ayane Kozasa, cellist Michael Katz, and pianist Nana Shi. With its innovative programming and virtuosic performances, Videmus is sure to remain a leading force in the chamber music world for years to come.

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