Spark is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2007 by five young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The group's founding members were violinist Hayley Wolfe, cellist Joseph Lee, pianist Daniel Roberts, clarinetist Oliver Pashley, and flutist Katherine Baker. The ensemble's name, Spark, was chosen to reflect the group's energy and enthusiasm for music-making. From the beginning, Spark set out to explore a wide range of repertoire, from the Baroque era to contemporary music. The group's members were all graduates of the Royal College of Music in London, and they quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting young ensembles on the classical music scene. One of Spark's early highlights was winning the Royal Over-Seas League Chamber Music Competition in 2008. This prestigious competition, which has been running since 1950, is open to musicians from the Commonwealth and attracts some of the best young chamber ensembles from around the world. Spark's victory in the competition helped to raise the group's profile and led to a number of high-profile performance opportunities. Over the years, Spark has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Konzerthaus in Vienna, and the Lincoln Center in New York. The group has also collaborated with a number of leading musicians, including pianist Stephen Hough, cellist Steven Isserlis, and violinist Maxim Vengerov. One of Spark's most memorable performances was at the 2012 BBC Proms, where the group performed a program of music by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The Proms is an annual series of concerts held in London's Royal Albert Hall, and is one of the most important events in the classical music calendar. Spark's performance was widely praised by critics, who praised the group's technical skill and musical sensitivity. In addition to their concert performances, Spark has also recorded a number of albums. Their debut album, released in 2010, featured music by Mozart, Brahms, and Schumann, and was widely praised for its clarity and precision. The group's second album, released in 2013, featured music by Debussy, Ravel, and Poulenc, and showcased the group's ability to bring a fresh perspective to French chamber music. Despite their success, Spark has remained committed to their original mission of exploring a wide range of repertoire and bringing classical music to new audiences. The group has performed in a variety of settings, from traditional concert halls to schools, hospitals, and community centers. They have also collaborated with a number of contemporary composers, including Mark-Anthony Turnage and Nico Muhly, and have premiered a number of new works. Today, Spark continues to be one of the most exciting and innovative chamber ensembles on the classical music scene. The group's members have all gone on to successful solo careers, but they continue to perform together whenever their schedules allow. With their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to musical excellence, Spark is sure to remain a fixture in the world of classical music for many years to come.

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