Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

The Y Chamber Symphony of New York is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 by conductor and pianist Gerard Schwarz. The ensemble is made up of some of the most talented musicians in New York City, and has become known for its innovative programming and dynamic performances. Gerard Schwarz, who is also the Music Director of the All-Star Orchestra and the Eastern Music Festival, founded the Y Chamber Symphony of New York with the goal of creating a chamber orchestra that would be dedicated to performing both traditional and contemporary classical music. The ensemble's name is a nod to the YMCA, where the group held its first rehearsals. The Y Chamber Symphony of New York's main members are a group of highly skilled musicians who have performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras and ensembles. The ensemble's concertmaster is violinist Kurt Nikkanen, who has performed as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. Other notable members of the ensemble include cellist Wendy Sutter, who has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic, and oboist James Austin Smith, who has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Since its founding, the Y Chamber Symphony of New York has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. The ensemble has also toured internationally, performing in countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea. One of the highlights of the Y Chamber Symphony of New York's career was its performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. The ensemble was invited to perform at the Olympic Village, where it played a program of classical music that included works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. The performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world, and helped to raise the profile of the ensemble. The Y Chamber Symphony of New York has also been recognized for its outstanding performances and recordings. In 2011, the ensemble won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo for its recording of John Corigliano's "Conjurer: Concerto for Percussionist and String Orchestra," which featured percussionist Evelyn Glennie. The ensemble has also been praised for its recordings of works by composers such as Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin. In addition to its performances and recordings, the Y Chamber Symphony of New York is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly performs for school groups and community organizations, and has developed a program called "Music for Life," which provides music education and performance opportunities for underserved youth in New York City. Overall, the Y Chamber Symphony of New York is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has become known for its exceptional performances and commitment to classical music education and outreach. With its talented musicians and visionary leadership, the ensemble is sure to continue making a significant impact on the classical music world for years to come.

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