Role

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Ensemble

 

Contempo is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1964 at the University of Chicago. The ensemble was created with the goal of promoting contemporary classical music and providing a platform for new and emerging composers to showcase their work. Over the years, Contempo has become one of the most respected and influential contemporary music ensembles in the United States. The founding members of Contempo were Ralph Shapey, a composer and conductor, and Philip Gossett, a musicologist. Shapey served as the ensemble's first artistic director, and Gossett was its first executive director. The ensemble's initial focus was on performing works by Shapey and other contemporary composers, but it quickly expanded to include a wide range of new music. One of the defining features of Contempo is its commitment to commissioning new works. The ensemble has commissioned over 200 new pieces of music from composers around the world, including John Adams, Shulamit Ran, and Augusta Read Thomas. Many of these works have gone on to become staples of the contemporary classical repertoire. Contempo has also been known for its collaborations with other artists and ensembles. In 1996, the ensemble collaborated with the Kronos Quartet on a performance of Steve Reich's "Different Trains," which was later released as a recording. In 2004, Contempo collaborated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on a performance of Elliott Carter's "Symphonia: Sum Fluxae Pretium Spei." Over the years, Contempo has undergone several changes in leadership and membership. In 1994, Shulamit Ran became the ensemble's artistic director, a position she held until 2012. During her tenure, Contempo continued to expand its repertoire and commission new works. In 2012, Marta Ptaszynska became the ensemble's artistic director. Contempo has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1995, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP-Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. In 2000, Contempo received the Illinois Council of Orchestras' Award for Programming of Contemporary Music. In 2014, the ensemble was awarded the John Cage Award by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts. One of the highlights of Contempo's performance history was its 50th anniversary concert, which took place in 2014. The concert featured works by several of the ensemble's commissioned composers, including Augusta Read Thomas, Tania León, and Marta Ptaszynska. The concert also included a performance of Shapey's "Incantations," which had been commissioned by Contempo in 1964. Contempo has also been involved in several educational initiatives over the years. The ensemble has worked with students at the University of Chicago and other schools to promote contemporary classical music and provide opportunities for young composers to have their work performed. In 2016, Contempo launched the Contempo Composition Workshop, a week-long program for high school students interested in composing. In conclusion, Contempo is a classical music ensemble that has been at the forefront of promoting contemporary classical music for over 50 years. The ensemble's commitment to commissioning new works and collaborating with other artists has made it a vital part of the contemporary classical music scene. With its focus on education and outreach, Contempo is also helping to ensure that the next generation of composers and performers will continue to push the boundaries of classical music.

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