Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Earplay is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1985 in San Francisco, California. The ensemble is dedicated to the performance of contemporary chamber music, and has become one of the most respected and influential groups in the field. The founding members of Earplay were Mary Chun, Tod Brody, Peter Josheff, and Terrie Baune. Chun, who is a conductor and pianist, served as the ensemble's music director for many years. Brody is a flutist, Josheff is a clarinetist, and Baune is a violinist. All four musicians were passionate about contemporary music and wanted to create a platform for new works to be performed and heard. Over the years, Earplay has had a rotating cast of musicians, but the core members have remained the same. In addition to Chun, Brody, Josheff, and Baune, the ensemble has included cellist Thalia Moore, violist Ellen Ruth Rose, and pianist Karen Rosenak, among others. One of the highlights of Earplay's career was their performance at the 1992 Olympic Arts Festival in Barcelona, Spain. The ensemble was invited to perform a program of contemporary American music, which included works by John Adams, Lou Harrison, and Joan Tower. The performance was well-received and helped to establish Earplay as a leading ensemble in the contemporary music scene. In addition to their performance at the Olympic Arts Festival, Earplay has also performed at many other prestigious venues and festivals, including the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Festival of New American Music in Sacramento, and the Other Minds Festival in San Francisco. Earplay has also commissioned and premiered many new works by contemporary composers. Some of the composers who have worked with the ensemble include John Adams, Lou Harrison, Joan Tower, and Chen Yi. Earplay's commitment to new music has helped to expand the repertoire for contemporary chamber music and has given many composers a platform to showcase their work. In recognition of their contributions to the contemporary music scene, Earplay has received many awards and honors. In 1996, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP-Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. In 2005, Earplay was awarded the CMA/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music. The ensemble has also been featured on many recordings, including a CD of works by Lou Harrison that was released in 2008. Today, Earplay continues to be a leading ensemble in the contemporary music scene. The ensemble's commitment to new music and their dedication to excellence in performance has made them a favorite among audiences and critics alike. With their innovative programming and their passion for contemporary music, Earplay is sure to continue to be a major force in the world of classical music for many years to come.

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