Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Sinfonia da Camera is a classical music ensemble based in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The group was founded in 1984 by conductor and music director Ian Hobson, who sought to create a professional chamber orchestra that would serve the community and provide opportunities for local musicians. Hobson, a renowned pianist and conductor, was born in Wolverhampton, England in 1952. He began studying piano at the age of five and went on to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London. After winning several international piano competitions, Hobson moved to the United States in 1973 to pursue a career as a soloist and conductor. In 1984, Hobson founded Sinfonia da Camera with the goal of creating a professional chamber orchestra that would perform a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music. The ensemble's name, which means "symphony of the chamber," reflects its focus on intimate, chamber music-style performances. Over the years, Sinfonia da Camera has grown into one of the premier classical music ensembles in the Midwest. The group has performed with some of the world's most renowned soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and Midori. Sinfonia da Camera has also collaborated with a number of local arts organizations, including the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Illinois School of Music. One of the highlights of Sinfonia da Camera's history was its performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. The ensemble was selected to represent the United States at the Cultural Olympiad, a festival of arts and culture that ran alongside the Olympic Games. Sinfonia da Camera performed a program of American music, including works by Aaron Copland and George Gershwin, to critical acclaim. Sinfonia da Camera has also been recognized for its commitment to new music. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by a number of contemporary composers, including Augusta Read Thomas, John Corigliano, and Jennifer Higdon. In 2009, Sinfonia da Camera received the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to contemporary music. In addition to its performances, Sinfonia da Camera is also dedicated to music education. The ensemble regularly performs for school groups and offers educational programs that introduce young people to classical music. Sinfonia da Camera has also collaborated with the University of Illinois School of Music to offer a summer music camp for young musicians. Sinfonia da Camera has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1999, the ensemble was named the Illinois Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. In 2004, Sinfonia da Camera received the Governor's Award for the Arts in Illinois, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts in the state. Today, Sinfonia da Camera continues to be a vital part of the Champaign-Urbana arts community. The ensemble performs a regular concert series at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and collaborates with a number of local organizations to bring classical music to audiences throughout the region. With its commitment to excellence in performance, new music, and music education, Sinfonia da Camera is a true gem of the classical music world.

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