Role

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Ensemble

 

Voices of Ascension Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in New York City. Founded in 1990 by conductor and artistic director Dennis Keene, the orchestra has become known for its exceptional performances of choral and orchestral works from the Renaissance to the present day. Dennis Keene, a graduate of the Juilliard School and Yale University, had previously founded the Voices of Ascension choir in 1989. The choir quickly gained a reputation for its high level of musicianship and innovative programming, and Keene soon decided to expand the group to include an orchestra. The Voices of Ascension Orchestra was born, and its first concert was held in December 1990. The orchestra's core members are drawn from the ranks of New York's top freelance musicians, many of whom also perform with major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. The ensemble's size varies depending on the repertoire, ranging from a chamber orchestra of around 20 players to a full symphony orchestra of over 70 musicians. One of the orchestra's defining features is its commitment to performing works that are rarely heard in concert halls. Keene has a particular passion for the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and the orchestra has given numerous performances of works by composers such as Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi, and Heinrich Schütz. The ensemble has also premiered several new works by contemporary composers, including John Tavener, Arvo Pärt, and Nico Muhly. Over the years, the Voices of Ascension Orchestra has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. The ensemble has also toured extensively, with performances in Europe, Asia, and South America. One of the orchestra's most notable achievements was its performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 2000. The concert, which was held at Carnegie Hall, was hailed by critics as a triumph, with The New York Times describing it as "a performance of exceptional beauty and power." The orchestra has since performed the work several times, including a critically acclaimed performance at Lincoln Center in 2015. Another highlight of the orchestra's career was its performance of Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center in 2013. The concert, which featured the Voices of Ascension choir as well as the orchestra, was praised by The Washington Post for its "crisp, clear sound" and "impeccable ensemble." In addition to its performances, the Voices of Ascension Orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades. The ensemble has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Choral Performance and Best Classical Album. The orchestra's recording of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil was named one of the top classical recordings of 2007 by The New York Times. The Voices of Ascension Orchestra has also been recognized for its commitment to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly performs for school groups and community organizations, and has developed a series of educational programs that introduce young people to classical music. In 2010, the orchestra received the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, in recognition of its innovative and diverse programming. In conclusion, the Voices of Ascension Orchestra is a world-class ensemble that has earned a reputation for its exceptional performances of choral and orchestral works.

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