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Ensemble

 

New York Polyphony is a classical music vocal quartet that specializes in early music and contemporary compositions. The group was founded in 2006 by countertenor Geoffrey Williams, tenor Steven Caldicott Wilson, baritone Christopher Dylan Herbert, and bass Craig Phillips. Since then, they have become one of the most acclaimed vocal ensembles in the world, known for their impeccable musicianship, innovative programming, and stunning performances. The members of New York Polyphony all have impressive backgrounds in classical music. Williams, who serves as the group's artistic director, has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles, including The Tallis Scholars, The Sixteen, and The Gabrieli Consort. Wilson has sung with the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the American Symphony Orchestra, among others. Herbert has performed with the New York City Opera, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Handel and Haydn Society, while Phillips has sung with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. New York Polyphony's repertoire spans centuries and genres, from medieval chant to contemporary works. They are particularly known for their interpretations of Renaissance polyphony, including works by composers such as Josquin des Prez, Thomas Tallis, and William Byrd. They have also commissioned and premiered many new works, including pieces by Andrew Smith, Gabriel Jackson, and Caroline Shaw. One of the highlights of New York Polyphony's career was their performance at the 2011 Spitalfields Festival in London. The festival, which celebrates early music and contemporary art, invited the group to perform a program of English and American music from the 16th and 21st centuries. The concert was a critical and popular success, with The Guardian calling it "a stunning display of vocal virtuosity and musical intelligence." In 2012, New York Polyphony released their first album, "I Sing the Birth," which featured Christmas music from the medieval and Renaissance periods. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, and NPR. The group's second album, "Tallis: The Complete Works," was released in 2016 and featured all 40 of Thomas Tallis's surviving works for the Anglican church. The album was also highly praised and won the Gramophone Award for Early Music in 2017. New York Polyphony has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Utrecht Early Music Festival. They have also collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles, including the Folger Consort, the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, and the Rose Ensemble. In addition to their performances, New York Polyphony is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and conservatories around the world, and have worked with young singers through programs such as the Choral Institute at Oxford and the Yale International Choral Festival. Overall, New York Polyphony is a remarkable ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and education has earned them a devoted following and numerous accolades.

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