Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Band

 

 

Chamber

 

Relache Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1977 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ensemble was founded by a group of musicians who were interested in exploring contemporary classical music and performing works by living composers. The name "Relache" is a French word that means "rest" or "break," and it reflects the ensemble's commitment to taking a break from traditional classical music and exploring new and innovative works. The founding members of Relache Ensemble were Lloyd Shorter (clarinet), William Kerrigan (violin), Jane Weidensaul (flute), and Charles Abramovic (piano). Over the years, the ensemble has had many different members, but its core mission has remained the same: to perform contemporary classical music and to commission new works by living composers. One of the highlights of Relache Ensemble's early years was its collaboration with composer Philip Glass. In 1981, the ensemble premiered Glass's "Music in Similar Motion" at the Philadelphia College of Art. This performance was a major success and helped to establish Relache Ensemble as a leading ensemble in the contemporary classical music scene. In the years that followed, Relache Ensemble continued to perform and commission new works by living composers. Some of the ensemble's most notable performances include the premiere of John Cage's "Four^6" in 1992 and the premiere of Pauline Oliveros's "The Well and the Gentle" in 1998. The ensemble has also performed works by other notable composers such as Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Morton Feldman. In addition to its performances, Relache Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1985, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its performances and commissions. In 1990, the ensemble was awarded a Pew Fellowship in the Arts, which provided funding for the ensemble to commission new works by living composers. Relache Ensemble has also been recognized for its contributions to the contemporary classical music scene. In 2007, the ensemble was awarded the American Music Center's Letter of Distinction, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of contemporary classical music. Today, Relache Ensemble continues to perform and commission new works by living composers. The ensemble's current members include Lloyd Shorter (clarinet), Chuck Holdeman (saxophone), Michele Kelly (flute), Rebecca Harris (violin), Ron Lipscomb (cello), and Joseph Krupa (percussion). The ensemble's commitment to exploring new and innovative works has made it a leading ensemble in the contemporary classical music scene, and its contributions to the field will continue to be felt for years to come.

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