Role

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Ensemble

 

Solstice Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1994 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The founding members of Solstice Ensemble were violinist Kate Stenberg, cellist Emil Miland, and pianist Karen Rosenak. All three musicians had extensive experience performing in chamber music ensembles and were eager to create a group that would allow them to explore new repertoire and collaborate with other musicians. Over the years, Solstice Ensemble has expanded to include a rotating roster of musicians, including some of the Bay Area's most talented instrumentalists. The ensemble's core members, however, have remained the same: Stenberg, Miland, and Rosenak. One of the hallmarks of Solstice Ensemble's performances is its commitment to presenting new and rarely heard works alongside more familiar repertoire. The ensemble has commissioned numerous new works from composers such as John Harbison, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Joan Tower, and has also performed works by lesser-known composers from around the world. Solstice Ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Ravinia Festival. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia, earning critical acclaim for its performances. In addition to its live performances, Solstice Ensemble has released several recordings, including a CD of works by John Harbison and a CD of works by Gabriela Lena Frank. The ensemble's recordings have received widespread praise from critics and have been featured on radio programs around the world. Solstice Ensemble has received numerous awards and honors over the years, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council. The ensemble has also been recognized for its commitment to education and outreach, and has worked with students of all ages to promote the appreciation of classical music. One of the highlights of Solstice Ensemble's career was its performance at the 2009 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. The ensemble premiered a new work by composer John Harbison, which was commissioned by the festival specifically for Solstice Ensemble. The performance was hailed as a triumph by critics and audience members alike, and cemented Solstice Ensemble's reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting chamber music ensembles in the United States. Another notable performance by Solstice Ensemble was its 2012 concert at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The ensemble performed works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann, as well as a new work by composer Gabriela Lena Frank. The concert was a sell-out success, and was praised by critics for its "passionate and virtuosic" performances. In recent years, Solstice Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, collaborating with artists from other genres and exploring new ways of presenting classical music to audiences. The ensemble remains committed to its mission of promoting the appreciation of chamber music and inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers.

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