Role

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Ensemble

 

Palm Court Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the early 20th century. The ensemble was founded in 1984 by Paul Eakins, a musician and conductor who had a passion for the music of the 1920s and 1930s. Eakins had previously worked as a pianist and conductor for various theater productions, but he wanted to create an ensemble that would focus specifically on the music of the Palm Court era. The Palm Court era refers to a time in the early 20th century when live music was a staple of high-end hotels and restaurants. These establishments would often have a small orchestra or ensemble playing in a designated area, known as the Palm Court. The music played during this time was typically light and cheerful, with a focus on popular songs and dance music. Eakins wanted to recreate this atmosphere with his ensemble, and he began by assembling a group of talented musicians who shared his passion for this style of music. The original members of the ensemble included Eakins on piano, as well as a violinist, cellist, clarinetist, and flutist. The ensemble quickly gained a following in their hometown of Portland, Oregon, and they began performing at local events and venues. Their popularity grew, and they soon began touring throughout the United States and internationally. One of the highlights of the ensemble's early career was their performance at the 1986 World's Fair in Vancouver, Canada. The ensemble was invited to perform at the British Columbia Pavilion, where they played to large crowds of visitors from around the world. This performance helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the premier Palm Court ensembles in the world. Over the years, the ensemble has undergone some changes in membership, but they have always maintained their commitment to the music of the Palm Court era. Today, the ensemble is led by pianist and conductor Michael Allen Harrison, who has been a member of the ensemble since 1990. In addition to Harrison, the current members of the ensemble include violinist Aaron Meyer, cellist Diane Chaplin, clarinetist David Evans, and flutist Nancy Teskey. All of these musicians are highly skilled and experienced performers who bring a wealth of talent and expertise to the ensemble. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was their appearance on the popular television show, "The Lawrence Welk Show." The ensemble was invited to perform on the show in 1990, and they played a selection of popular songs from the Palm Court era. The performance was well-received by the audience and helped to introduce the ensemble to a wider audience. In addition to their television appearances, the ensemble has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. They have also performed for numerous heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II of England and President Bill Clinton. The ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Oregon Governor's Arts Award and the Portland Arts and Culture Award. They have also been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Despite their success and acclaim, the members of the ensemble remain committed to their mission of preserving and promoting the music of the Palm Court era.

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