Hotel Elefant is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in New York City. Founded in 2011 by composer and pianist Leaha Maria Villarreal, the ensemble is dedicated to presenting new and experimental works by living composers. Villarreal, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, had a vision to create a platform for emerging composers to showcase their work. She assembled a group of like-minded musicians, including flutist Amelia Lukas, clarinetist Christa Van Alstine, violinist Andie Springer, cellist Brian Snow, percussionist Jacob Gotlib, and vocalist Megan Schubert, to form Hotel Elefant. The ensemble's name was inspired by the idea of a hotel as a temporary home for travelers, and the elephant as a symbol of strength and memory. Hotel Elefant's mission is to create a space for new music to thrive and to build a community of artists and audiences who share a passion for contemporary classical music. Since its founding, Hotel Elefant has commissioned and premiered over 50 new works by composers from around the world. The ensemble has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Bang on a Can Marathon, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Meredith Monk, John Zorn, and Julia Wolfe. One of Hotel Elefant's most notable performances was the world premiere of "The Colorado," a multimedia work by composer and filmmaker Glenn Kotche. The piece, which was commissioned by the University of Colorado Boulder, explores the natural beauty and environmental challenges of the Colorado River. Hotel Elefant performed the work with the CU Boulder Wind Symphony and the Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Company, creating a stunning visual and sonic experience. Hotel Elefant has also been recognized for its innovative programming and commitment to new music. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to support its concert series, which features works by emerging composers alongside established masters. The ensemble has also been featured on NPR's "Performance Today" and has been praised by The New York Times for its "adventurous programming and virtuosic performances." In addition to its concert series, Hotel Elefant is committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has presented workshops and masterclasses at universities and schools throughout the United States, and has worked with organizations such as the New York Philharmonic's Very Young Composers program to inspire the next generation of composers and performers. Hotel Elefant's current members include Leaha Maria Villarreal (piano), Amelia Lukas (flute), Christa Van Alstine (clarinet), Andie Springer (violin), Brian Snow (cello), Jacob Gotlib (percussion), and Megan Schubert (vocals). The ensemble continues to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music and to create a welcoming and inclusive community for artists and audiences alike.

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