Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Core Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1993 by pianist and composer Hugh Hinton. The ensemble is known for its unique approach to classical music, which combines music with theater, storytelling, and visual arts. The ensemble's performances are often described as "chamber music theater," as they incorporate elements of drama and storytelling into their musical performances. The Core Ensemble is made up of four core members: Hugh Hinton on piano, Tahirah Whittington on cello, Michael Parola on percussion, and Ju Young Lee on violin. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with guest artists, including actors, dancers, and visual artists. The ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from traditional chamber music to contemporary works. However, the ensemble is particularly known for its focus on music by composers from underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ composers. The ensemble's mission is to promote diversity and inclusivity in classical music, and to bring attention to the works of composers who have been historically overlooked. One of the ensemble's most notable performances is their production of "Of Ebony Embers: Vignettes of the Harlem Renaissance." This production, which premiered in 1997, combines music, theater, and poetry to tell the story of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York. The production features music by African American composers, including Duke Ellington, William Grant Still, and George Walker, and incorporates poetry by Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen. The production has been performed at numerous venues across the United States, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and has received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to classical music. Another notable production by the Core Ensemble is "Los Valientes," which tells the story of Latin American heroes through music and theater. The production features music by Latin American composers, including Astor Piazzolla and Heitor Villa-Lobos, and incorporates storytelling and visual arts to bring the stories of these heroes to life. The production has been performed at venues across the United States and has received praise for its celebration of Latin American culture and history. In addition to their performances, the Core Ensemble is also known for their educational outreach programs. The ensemble frequently visits schools and universities to perform and to teach students about classical music and its history. The ensemble's educational programs often focus on the works of underrepresented composers, and aim to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers. The Core Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for their innovative approach to classical music. In 2000, the ensemble received the Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which recognizes individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the arts. The ensemble has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. Overall, the Core Ensemble is a unique and innovative classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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