Ensemble XXI is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1990 by conductor Lygia O'Riordan. The ensemble is based in Moscow, Russia, and is made up of some of the most talented musicians in the country. The group has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and its commitment to performing contemporary music alongside more traditional repertoire. Lygia O'Riordan, who was born in Brazil, studied conducting at the Moscow Conservatory and went on to work with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She founded Ensemble XXI with the aim of creating a group that would be dedicated to exploring the full range of classical music, from the Baroque era to the present day. The ensemble's main members are drawn from some of the top orchestras in Russia, including the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra, and the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra. The group is made up of around 30 musicians, including string players, wind players, and percussionists. One of the highlights of Ensemble XXI's career was its performance at the 1994 Edinburgh International Festival. The group performed a program of contemporary music by Russian composers, including works by Sofia Gubaidulina and Alfred Schnittke. The performance was widely praised for its technical excellence and its innovative programming. In 1996, Ensemble XXI won the Grand Prix at the International Chamber Music Competition in Osaka, Japan. The group's performance of works by Shostakovich and Schnittke impressed the judges with its precision and emotional depth. Another notable performance by Ensemble XXI was its 2001 concert at the Moscow Conservatory, which featured the world premiere of a new work by Russian composer Alexander Raskatov. The piece, titled "Nunc dimittis," was a setting of the text from the Gospel of Luke and was written specifically for Ensemble XXI. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and the group went on to record the piece for release on CD. Ensemble XXI has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles over the years. In 2003, the group performed with the Russian National Orchestra in a concert that featured works by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. The performance was broadcast on Russian television and was widely praised for its energy and passion. In addition to its performances, Ensemble XXI has also been active in recording and releasing music. The group has released several CDs, including recordings of works by Schnittke, Gubaidulina, and Raskatov. The group's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and their ability to capture the emotional depth of the music. Overall, Ensemble XXI has established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting classical music ensembles in Russia. The group's commitment to exploring the full range of classical music, from the Baroque era to the present day, has earned it a loyal following among music lovers around the world. With its talented musicians and its dedication to excellence, Ensemble XXI is sure to continue making waves in the classical music world for years to come.

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