Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Da Capo Chamber Players is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1970 in New York City. The group is known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music, and has become one of the most respected chamber ensembles in the United States. The founding members of Da Capo Chamber Players were flutist Patricia Spencer, clarinetist John Solum, violinist Joel Lester, cellist André Emelianoff, and pianist Gilbert Kalish. All of the members were accomplished musicians with extensive experience in chamber music, and they shared a passion for exploring new and challenging repertoire. From the beginning, Da Capo Chamber Players set out to establish itself as a leading advocate for contemporary music. The group's first concert, which took place in 1970 at the New School for Social Research in New York City, featured works by composers such as Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, and Charles Wuorinen. This commitment to new music has remained a hallmark of the ensemble's programming throughout its history. Over the years, Da Capo Chamber Players has undergone several personnel changes, but the group has always maintained its high standards of musicianship and dedication to contemporary music. Today, the ensemble is comprised of flutist Patricia Spencer, clarinetist Meighan Stoops, violinist Curtis Macomber, cellist André Emelianoff, and pianist Steven Beck. One of the highlights of Da Capo Chamber Players' career was its collaboration with composer George Crumb. In 1973, the group premiered Crumb's "Vox Balaenae" (Voice of the Whale), a work for electric flute, electric cello, and amplified piano. The piece, which was inspired by the songs of humpback whales, was an instant success and has since become one of Crumb's most popular works. Da Capo Chamber Players has continued to perform and record Crumb's music over the years, and the composer has praised the group for its "superb musicianship and dedication to the highest artistic standards." Another notable collaboration for Da Capo Chamber Players was with composer Joan Tower. The group premiered Tower's "Petroushskates" in 1993, a work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano that was inspired by the music of Stravinsky's "Petrouchka." The piece was a critical and popular success, and has since become a staple of the ensemble's repertoire. Da Capo Chamber Players has also been recognized for its recordings. The group's 1995 album "American Chamber Music" was nominated for a Grammy Award, and its 2001 album "George Crumb: Complete Crumb Edition, Vol. 12" was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. In addition to its performances and recordings, Da Capo Chamber Players has also been active in commissioning new works. The group has commissioned over 100 pieces from composers such as Mario Davidovsky, John Harbison, and Joan Tower. These commissions have helped to expand the repertoire for chamber ensembles and have contributed to the development of contemporary classical music. Throughout its history, Da Capo Chamber Players has remained committed to its mission of promoting contemporary music and exploring new repertoire. The group's dedication to artistic excellence and innovative programming has earned it a reputation as one of the most important chamber ensembles in the United States.

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