Rest Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2015 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances that showcase the beauty and complexity of classical music. The founding members of Rest Ensemble are violinist Sarah Whitney, violist Molly Carr, cellist Andrew Yee, and pianist Adam Golka. All four musicians are accomplished performers in their own right, with extensive experience playing in orchestras and chamber groups around the world. Sarah Whitney, the ensemble's founder and artistic director, is a graduate of the Juilliard School and has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Pops. Molly Carr, a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Andrew Yee, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, has performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Adam Golka, a graduate of the Julliard School, has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic and the Tokyo Symphony. Rest Ensemble's performances are characterized by their energy, precision, and emotional depth. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by classical composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart, as well as contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming, which often combines classical works with pieces from other genres, such as jazz and folk music. One of Rest Ensemble's most notable performances was its debut concert at the National Sawdust in Brooklyn, New York, in 2015. The concert featured works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann, as well as a world premiere of a piece by composer and jazz pianist Vijay Iyer. The concert was praised by critics for its "exquisite musicianship" and "bold programming." Since its founding, Rest Ensemble has performed at numerous venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Royal Festival Hall in London, and the Shanghai Symphony Hall in China. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including jazz pianist Aaron Diehl, folk singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan, and the Mark Morris Dance Group. In addition to its performances, Rest Ensemble is committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has worked with organizations such as the Sphinx Organization and the New York Philharmonic's Very Young Composers program. Rest Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2017, the ensemble was awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to innovative and diverse programming. The ensemble's debut album, "Restless," was released in 2018 and received critical acclaim for its "impeccable musicianship" and "thoughtful programming." Overall, Rest Ensemble is a dynamic and innovative classical music ensemble that is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and complexity of chamber music.

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