Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Columbia University Group for Contemporary Music is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been at the forefront of contemporary music performance and composition since its founding in 1950. The group was established by composer and conductor Otto Luening and composer and pianist Vladimir Ussachevsky, both of whom were faculty members at Columbia University's Department of Music. The group's founding was a response to the lack of opportunities for contemporary music performance and composition in the United States at the time. Luening and Ussachevsky sought to create a platform for the performance and promotion of new music, and the Columbia University Group for Contemporary Music was born. The group's early members included composers and performers such as Jack Beeson, Charles Wuorinen, and Harvey Sollberger, all of whom went on to become prominent figures in the contemporary music scene. The group's membership has changed over the years, but it has always been composed of talented and dedicated musicians who share a passion for contemporary music. One of the group's main highlights was its collaboration with the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, which was also founded by Luening and Ussachevsky. The center was one of the first of its kind in the world, and it provided the group with access to cutting-edge electronic music technology. This collaboration resulted in the creation of groundbreaking works such as Luening's "Fantasy in Space" and Ussachevsky's "Wireless Fantasy." The group has also been involved in numerous premieres of works by contemporary composers, including Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, and John Cage. These performances have helped to establish the group as a leading force in the promotion of contemporary music. In addition to its performances, the group has also been involved in the commissioning and recording of new works. One of its most notable recordings is "New Music for Electronic and Recorded Media," which features works by Luening, Ussachevsky, and other composers associated with the Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center. Over the years, the Columbia University Group for Contemporary Music has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to contemporary music. In 1966, the group was awarded the Ditson Conductor's Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to American music. In 2000, the group was awarded the William Schuman Award by Columbia University, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts. Today, the Columbia University Group for Contemporary Music continues to be a leading force in the promotion and performance of contemporary music. Its members are dedicated to exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. The group's legacy is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting new and innovative music.

More....