Role

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Ensemble

 

New Music Concerts Ensemble is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in contemporary music. The ensemble was founded in 1971 by composer and conductor Robert Aitken, who served as its artistic director until 2018. Over the years, the ensemble has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to promoting new music. The birth of New Music Concerts Ensemble can be traced back to the early 1970s, when Robert Aitken was a professor of music at the University of Toronto. Aitken was interested in contemporary music and wanted to create a platform for new works to be performed and heard. He founded the ensemble with a group of like-minded musicians, and they began performing concerts in Toronto and other cities in Canada. In the early years, the ensemble faced some challenges in terms of funding and audience development. However, they persevered and gradually built a reputation for themselves as a leading contemporary music ensemble. They began to attract top composers and performers from around the world, and their concerts became known for their high level of artistry and innovation. One of the highlights of New Music Concerts Ensemble's early years was their performance of Karlheinz Stockhausen's "Gruppen" in 1974. This was a groundbreaking work that required three orchestras to perform simultaneously, and it had never been performed in Canada before. The ensemble's performance was a huge success and helped to establish their reputation as a leading contemporary music ensemble. Over the years, New Music Concerts Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of contemporary music. They have commissioned and premiered countless new works by composers from around the world, and they have collaborated with some of the most innovative performers and ensembles in the field. One of the ensemble's most notable collaborations was with the Kronos Quartet in 1985. The two ensembles performed a joint concert in Toronto that featured works by Steve Reich, Terry Riley, and other leading contemporary composers. The concert was a huge success and helped to raise the profile of both ensembles. New Music Concerts Ensemble has also been recognized for their contributions to contemporary music. They have won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Canadian Music Council's "Special Citation" in 1981 and the Toronto Arts Award for Music in 1995. In 2011, they were awarded the Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts, which is one of the most prestigious arts awards in Canada. Despite the challenges that contemporary music ensembles face in terms of funding and audience development, New Music Concerts Ensemble has continued to thrive over the years. They have remained committed to their mission of promoting new music and have inspired countless composers, performers, and audiences along the way. Today, the ensemble is led by artistic director Wallace Halladay, and they continue to perform innovative and exciting concerts in Toronto and beyond.

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