Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Music Amici is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1985 in Santa Barbara, California. The group is made up of six musicians who are all highly skilled in their respective instruments. The founding members of the group were flutist Jill Felber, oboist Thomas Gallant, clarinetist Richard Kravchak, bassoonist William Ludwig, horn player Kristin Garbeff, and pianist Betty Oberacker. The ensemble's name, Music Amici, is Italian for "music friends," which reflects the close bond between the members of the group. The founding members of Music Amici were all colleagues at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where they were all faculty members in the music department. They decided to form the ensemble as a way to showcase their individual talents and to collaborate on chamber music performances. Over the years, Music Amici has become known for their dynamic and engaging performances, which feature a wide range of classical music styles and genres. The group has performed in a variety of venues, including concert halls, churches, and private homes. They have also been featured on numerous radio and television programs, and have recorded several albums. One of the highlights of Music Amici's career was their performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. The group was invited to perform at the Olympic Village, where they played a program of classical music for the athletes and spectators. The performance was well-received, and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble on a national level. Music Amici has also been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the classical music world. In 1998, the group was awarded the prestigious Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. This award is given to ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to performing new and innovative works, as well as traditional repertoire. In addition to their performances and awards, Music Amici is also dedicated to music education and outreach. The group regularly performs for school groups and community organizations, and has developed a number of educational programs that introduce young people to classical music. They also offer master classes and workshops for aspiring musicians. Today, Music Amici continues to be a leading ensemble in the classical music world. The group has undergone some changes over the years, with several new members joining the ensemble. However, the core values of the group remain the same: a commitment to excellence in performance, a passion for classical music, and a dedication to music education and outreach.

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