Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Sinfonia 21 is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1997 by conductor and composer Martyn Brabbins. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming and performances of contemporary classical music. Martyn Brabbins, who was born in 1959 in Kent, England, studied music at the University of London and the Royal Academy of Music. He began his career as a conductor in the 1980s and has since become one of the most respected conductors of his generation. Brabbins has worked with many of the world's leading orchestras and has conducted numerous premieres of contemporary classical works. Brabbins founded Sinfonia 21 with the aim of creating a new ensemble that would focus on contemporary classical music. The ensemble's name reflects its commitment to performing music of the 21st century. Sinfonia 21 is made up of some of the UK's finest musicians, many of whom are also members of other leading orchestras and ensembles. The ensemble's first performance took place in 1997 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The program included works by contemporary composers such as Harrison Birtwistle, Mark-Anthony Turnage, and Oliver Knussen. The performance was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and Sinfonia 21 quickly established itself as a leading ensemble for contemporary classical music. Over the years, Sinfonia 21 has performed at many of the UK's leading concert halls, including the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Wigmore Hall. The ensemble has also performed at festivals such as the BBC Proms, the Aldeburgh Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. One of the highlights of Sinfonia 21's career was its performance of Harrison Birtwistle's opera "The Last Supper" at the Royal Festival Hall in 2000. The performance was conducted by Martyn Brabbins and featured a cast of leading opera singers. The performance was widely praised by critics and was later released on CD. Sinfonia 21 has also collaborated with many leading composers, including Mark-Anthony Turnage, Oliver Knussen, and Thomas Adès. In 2005, the ensemble premiered Adès' "Polaris," a work for large orchestra that was commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall. The performance was conducted by Adès himself and was widely praised for its innovative use of spatialization and electronics. In addition to its performances, Sinfonia 21 has also released several recordings of contemporary classical music. The ensemble's first recording, "Sinfonia 21," was released in 1999 and featured works by Birtwistle, Turnage, and Knussen. The recording was widely praised for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming. Sinfonia 21 has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2001, the ensemble was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award for its performance of Birtwistle's "The Last Supper." The ensemble has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for its recordings of contemporary classical music. Today, Sinfonia 21 continues to be one of the UK's leading ensembles for contemporary classical music. The ensemble's commitment to innovative programming and virtuosic performances has earned it a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic ensembles in the world of classical music.

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