Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Continuum is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1966 by Joel Sachs and Cheryl Seltzer. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music. Over the years, Continuum has become one of the most respected and influential new music ensembles in the world. Joel Sachs, the co-founder and artistic director of Continuum, is a pianist, conductor, and musicologist. He has been a professor at the Juilliard School since 1985 and has written extensively on contemporary music. Cheryl Seltzer, the other co-founder of Continuum, is a cellist who has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and chamber ensembles. The ensemble's name, Continuum, reflects its commitment to exploring the connections between different styles and periods of music. The group's repertoire includes works by composers from the Baroque era to the present day, with a particular focus on contemporary music. One of the highlights of Continuum's early years was its collaboration with the composer Charles Ives. In 1974, the ensemble premiered Ives' "Universe Symphony," a massive work that had never been performed in its entirety before. The performance was a major event in the world of contemporary music and helped to establish Continuum as a leading new music ensemble. Over the years, Continuum has worked with many other important composers, including John Cage, Elliott Carter, and Steve Reich. The ensemble has also commissioned and premiered works by a number of emerging composers, helping to support the development of new music. In addition to its work with contemporary composers, Continuum has also performed and recorded works by many classical composers, including Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. The ensemble's recordings of Bach's "Goldberg Variations" and Beethoven's "Diabelli Variations" have been particularly well-received. Continuum has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center Festival, and the Venice Biennale. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. In recognition of its contributions to contemporary music, Continuum has received numerous awards and honors. In 1995, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP-Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. In 2001, Continuum was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognizes conductors who have made significant contributions to the performance of American music. Continuum's commitment to contemporary music and innovative programming has helped to shape the world of classical music over the past several decades. The ensemble's recordings and performances continue to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

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