Group of Twenty-Seven is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1996 in Toronto, Canada. The ensemble is made up of 27 musicians who are all members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The group is known for its unique sound and its ability to perform a wide range of classical music styles. The founding of Group of Twenty-Seven was the result of a desire among the members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to explore chamber music in a more intimate setting. The group's name is a reference to the G-7 group of industrialized nations, which was expanded to include Russia in 1998, becoming the G-8. The ensemble's name reflects the idea that the group is made up of 27 individuals who come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The main members of Group of Twenty-Seven are all accomplished musicians in their own right. The ensemble is led by violinist Jonathan Crow, who is also the concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Other members of the group include violinists Mark Skazinetsky, Aaron Schwebel, and Etsuko Kimura; violists Teng Li, Theresa Rudolph, and Douglas Perry; cellists David Hetherington, Winona Zelenka, and Roman Borys; and bassist Timothy Dawson. Over the years, Group of Twenty-Seven has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Canada and around the world. The ensemble has been featured at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, the Elora Festival, and the Festival of the Sound. They have also performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. One of the highlights of Group of Twenty-Seven's career was their performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The ensemble was invited to perform at the Canadian Pavilion during the games, and their performance was broadcast to millions of people around the world. The group also performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where they played a special arrangement of the Canadian national anthem. In addition to their live performances, Group of Twenty-Seven has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "The Chamber Music of John Weinzweig," was released in 2000 and received critical acclaim. The album features works by Canadian composer John Weinzweig, including his String Quartet No. 3 and his Divertimento No. 2. Another notable recording by Group of Twenty-Seven is their 2012 album, "Canadian Premieres." The album features works by Canadian composers Alexina Louie, R. Murray Schafer, and Christos Hatzis. The album was praised for its innovative programming and the ensemble's virtuosic performances. Over the years, Group of Twenty-Seven has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2001, the ensemble was awarded the Juno Award for Best Classical Album: Solo or Chamber Ensemble for their recording of John Weinzweig's chamber music. The group has also been nominated for several other Juno Awards, including Best Classical Album: Large Ensemble or Soloist(s) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment. In addition to their Juno Award, Group of Twenty-Seven has also been recognized by the Canadian Music Centre and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The ensemble was awarded the Canadian Music Centre's Friends of Canadian Music Award in 2007, and they were featured on the CBC's "30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30" list in 2009.

More....