Role

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Ensemble

 

Ensemble Pi is a classical music group that was founded in 2002 by pianist Idith Meshulam. The group is based in New York City and is known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary classical music. Idith Meshulam was born in Israel and began playing the piano at a young age. She studied at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and later at the Juilliard School in New York City. Meshulam has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Europe, and Israel. In 2002, Meshulam founded Ensemble Pi with the goal of creating a group that would explore the intersection of classical music and contemporary culture. The group's name is a reference to the mathematical constant pi, which represents the infinite possibilities of music. Ensemble Pi's early performances were characterized by their eclectic programming, which included works by contemporary composers such as John Cage, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich, as well as classical works by composers such as Beethoven and Mozart. The group's performances were praised for their energy and creativity, and they quickly gained a following in the New York City classical music scene. One of Ensemble Pi's early highlights was their performance at the 2004 Bang on a Can Marathon, a festival of contemporary music held in New York City. The group performed a program of works by contemporary composers, including a piece by Meshulam herself. The performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and helped to establish Ensemble Pi as a leading group in the contemporary classical music scene. In the years that followed, Ensemble Pi continued to perform innovative programs that combined classical and contemporary music. They also began to commission new works from contemporary composers, including David Rakowski, Laura Kaminsky, and Huang Ruo. One of Ensemble Pi's most notable commissions was Kaminsky's "And Trouble Came: An African AIDS Diary," a multimedia work that combines music, spoken word, and video to tell the story of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. The work was premiered by Ensemble Pi in 2009 and has since been performed by other groups around the world. Ensemble Pi has also been recognized for their commitment to education and outreach. They have performed in schools and community centers throughout New York City, and have developed educational programs that introduce young people to classical music and contemporary culture. In 2012, Ensemble Pi was awarded the CMA/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to contemporary classical music. The award was a testament to the group's innovative programming and dedication to new music. Today, Ensemble Pi continues to perform and commission new works from contemporary composers. They have released several recordings, including "Breath in a Ram's Horn," which features works by Jewish composers, and "Lou Harrison: Chamber and Gamelan Works," which features works by the American composer Lou Harrison. Ensemble Pi's commitment to contemporary classical music and innovative programming has made them a leading group in the classical music world. Their performances and recordings continue to inspire audiences and push the boundaries of classical music.

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