Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Publick Musick is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2008 in Rochester, New York. The ensemble is dedicated to performing music from the Baroque and Classical periods, with a particular focus on the works of lesser-known composers. The founding members of Publick Musick were Boel Gidholm, Christopher Haritatos, and Daniel Elyar. Gidholm, a Swedish-born violinist, had previously performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Haritatos, a cellist, had performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Eastman School of Music. Elyar, a harpsichordist, had performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York City Opera. The ensemble's name, Publick Musick, is a reference to the public concerts that were held in 18th-century England. These concerts were open to all members of the public, regardless of their social status, and were a popular form of entertainment. Publick Musick's repertoire includes works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Johann Joachim Quantz. The ensemble also performs works by lesser-known composers such as Johann Friedrich Fasch, Johann Gottlieb Graun, and Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach. One of the highlights of Publick Musick's early performances was a concert in 2009 at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester. The concert, titled "Bach and Beyond," featured works by Bach as well as works by his contemporaries. The concert was well-received by the audience and helped to establish Publick Musick as a leading ensemble in the Rochester area. In 2010, Publick Musick was awarded a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. The grant allowed the ensemble to expand its repertoire and to perform in venues throughout New York State. Another highlight of Publick Musick's performances was a concert in 2012 at the Eastman School of Music. The concert, titled "The Art of the Trio," featured works by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. The ensemble was joined by guest artists Marc Schachman on oboe and David Ying on cello. The concert was praised by critics for its virtuosic performances and its innovative programming. In 2014, Publick Musick was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant allowed the ensemble to commission new works by contemporary composers and to perform these works in concerts throughout the United States. One of the most notable performances by Publick Musick was a concert in 2016 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The concert, titled "Bach and His Contemporaries," featured works by Bach as well as works by his contemporaries. The ensemble was joined by guest artists Marc Schachman on oboe and Cynthia Roberts on violin. The concert was praised by critics for its impeccable musicianship and its engaging programming. In addition to its performances, Publick Musick is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly performs in schools and community centers, and offers workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. Publick Musick has released several recordings, including "Bach and His Contemporaries" and "The Art of the Trio." The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and their innovative programming. Today, Publick Musick continues to be a leading ensemble in the Rochester area and beyond.

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