Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Lontano is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in London, England. The group was founded in 1976 by conductor Odaline de la Martinez, who remains its artistic director to this day. Lontano has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to performing works by living composers. Odaline de la Martinez was born in Cuba in 1949 and began studying music at a young age. She moved to the United States in the 1960s to attend college and eventually earned a doctorate in conducting from the University of Michigan. Martinez moved to London in the early 1970s and began working as a freelance conductor. She founded Lontano in 1976 with the goal of creating a platform for contemporary classical music. Lontano's early performances were characterized by their eclectic programming, which included works by living composers as well as pieces from the classical canon. The group quickly gained a reputation for its adventurous spirit and commitment to new music. In 1980, Lontano performed at the Proms, the prestigious classical music festival held annually in London. The group's performance of works by contemporary composers such as Harrison Birtwistle and Peter Maxwell Davies was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lontano continued to perform at major festivals and venues around the world. The group's repertoire expanded to include works by composers from a wide range of backgrounds and traditions. Lontano also began to commission new works from emerging composers, further cementing its reputation as a champion of contemporary classical music. In 1994, Lontano won the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Ensemble. The award recognized the group's contributions to contemporary classical music and its commitment to performing works by living composers. Lontano continued to receive critical acclaim throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with performances at major festivals such as the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and the BBC Proms. In addition to its work as an ensemble, Lontano has also been involved in a number of educational initiatives. The group has worked with young composers and performers through programs such as the Lontano Academy and the Lontano Young Composers' Competition. These initiatives have helped to foster the next generation of classical music talent and ensure that contemporary classical music continues to thrive. Today, Lontano remains one of the most respected and innovative contemporary classical music ensembles in the world. The group continues to perform at major festivals and venues, and its commitment to new music remains as strong as ever. With Odaline de la Martinez at the helm, Lontano is sure to continue pushing the boundaries of classical music for years to come.

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