Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble (OCME) is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1980 at Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio, United States. The ensemble is dedicated to performing contemporary classical music and has become one of the leading ensembles of its kind in the world. The founding of the OCME was the result of a collaboration between composer Randolph Coleman and conductor Timothy Weiss. The two musicians shared a passion for contemporary classical music and wanted to create an ensemble that would focus exclusively on this genre. They recruited a group of talented student musicians from the Oberlin Conservatory and began rehearsing and performing together. Over the years, the OCME has had many members, both students and professional musicians. However, the ensemble has always maintained a core group of musicians who have been with the group for many years. These musicians include Timothy Weiss, who has been the ensemble's conductor since its founding, and pianist Marilyn Nonken, who has been a member of the ensemble since 1995. The OCME has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York City, and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in England. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned composers, including John Adams, George Crumb, and Steve Reich. One of the highlights of the OCME's career was its performance of George Crumb's "Black Angels" at the Kennedy Center in 2008. The piece, which was written in response to the Vietnam War, is a haunting and powerful work that features electric string instruments and percussion. The OCME's performance was widely praised for its intensity and emotional depth. Another notable performance by the OCME was its collaboration with composer John Adams on his piece "Son of Chamber Symphony" in 2007. The piece, which was commissioned by the OCME, is a complex and challenging work that showcases the ensemble's technical skill and musicality. In addition to its performances, the OCME has also received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that perform contemporary classical music. The OCME has also been featured on many recordings, including a 2012 album of music by composer Elliott Carter. Overall, the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble has become one of the most respected and influential ensembles in the world of contemporary classical music. Its dedication to performing challenging and innovative works has inspired many other musicians and ensembles to explore this genre, and its performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.

More....