Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Czech Republic

 

Extempore is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2003 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in the United States and has gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic performances. The founding members of Extempore were violinist Karen Kim, cellist Rafael Popper-Keizer, and pianist Elina Akselrud. All three musicians had extensive experience performing as soloists and in various chamber music ensembles before coming together to form Extempore. The ensemble's name, Extempore, reflects its commitment to improvisation and spontaneity in its performances. The musicians strive to create a unique and engaging experience for their audiences by incorporating improvisation and experimentation into their interpretations of classical music. Since its founding, Extempore has performed at numerous prestigious venues and festivals throughout the United States and abroad. Some of the ensemble's most notable performances include appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, and the Festival de Musique de Chambre de Montréal in Canada. Extempore has also collaborated with a number of renowned musicians and composers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison and violinist Joshua Bell. The ensemble has premiered several new works by contemporary composers, including pieces by Harbison and composer-in-residence at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Eric Nathan. In addition to its performances, Extempore has also received numerous awards and accolades for its recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "Extempore," was released in 2006 and received critical acclaim for its innovative interpretations of classical works. The album was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. Extempore's second album, "Invisible Cities," was released in 2010 and featured works by contemporary composers, including Harbison and Nathan. The album was also well-received by critics and was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The Boston Globe. The ensemble's most recent album, "The Four Seasons," was released in 2018 and features a unique interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi's famous work. The album was praised for its fresh and innovative approach to the piece, which incorporates improvisation and experimentation. Throughout its history, Extempore has remained committed to its mission of creating engaging and innovative performances of classical music. The ensemble's dedication to improvisation and experimentation has earned it a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic classical music ensembles performing today.

More....