Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Orchestral

 

Basel Sinfonietta is a classical music ensemble based in Basel, Switzerland. The ensemble was founded in 1980 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about contemporary music and wanted to create a platform for its performance and promotion. The founding members included conductor and composer Peter Eötvös, violinist and conductor Thomas Füri, and cellist and conductor Heinz Holliger. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but its commitment to contemporary music has remained constant. Today, the ensemble is led by conductor and artistic director Baldur Brönnimann, and its members include some of the most talented musicians from Switzerland and around the world. Basel Sinfonietta has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in Europe and beyond, including the Lucerne Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Berliner Festspiele, and the BBC Proms. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the most renowned composers and conductors of our time, including Pierre Boulez, György Ligeti, and Sir Simon Rattle. One of the highlights of Basel Sinfonietta's career was its performance of György Ligeti's opera Le Grand Macabre at the Salzburg Festival in 1997. The production, which was directed by Peter Sellars and conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, was widely acclaimed and helped to establish Basel Sinfonietta as one of the leading ensembles for contemporary music. Basel Sinfonietta has also been recognized for its outstanding performances and recordings. The ensemble has won several awards, including the Swiss Music Prize in 2014 and the Echo Klassik Award in 2016 for its recording of works by György Ligeti. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and their ability to capture the energy and excitement of live performances. In addition to its performances and recordings, Basel Sinfonietta is also committed to promoting contemporary music through education and outreach programs. The ensemble regularly works with young musicians and composers, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their work. Overall, Basel Sinfonietta is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary music. Its commitment to excellence and its willingness to take risks and explore new ideas have earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading ensembles in its field.

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