Mission Statement
Musically defined
by eclectic programming with interdisciplinary influences, Firebird
Ensemble aims to break down preconceptions about new music, to build
enthusiasm for new compositions, and to create a unique concert atmosphere.
Firebird Ensemble is a group of adventurous musicians celebrating
their enthusiasm for new music by striving for artistic excellence,
taking creative risks, and seeking to attract and engage diverse audiences
ranging from the educated new music listener to the novice concertgoer.
Firebird places priority on featuring the works of promising young
composers with varied musical backgrounds, and provides educational
programs to bring the music of our time to our nation's youngest
audiences.
History of the Firebird Ensemble
Inspired by a passion for new music and a desire to create performance projects involving other artistic disciplines, Kate Vincent, an Australian violist and graduate of the New England Conservatory, founded Firebird Ensemble in August of 2001 with two other performers living in the Boston area, percussionist Aaron Trant and pianist Sarah Bob.
Since its inception, Firebird’s output has grown from two self-organized programs to six programs and 18 scheduled performances in the 2004-2005 season. In addition to numerous concerts in the Greater Boston area, Firebird has appeared several times in Rhode Island and New York (where it was favorably reviewed in The New York Times). Firebird has given the local or world premieres of numerous compositions, including works by Karlheinz Stockhausen, Luciano Berio, John Eaton, John MacDonald, Joseph Maneri, Gerard Pape, Derek Hurst, Julia Werntz and Nicholas Vines. In 2005, Firebird Ensemble received a grant from the St. Botolph Foundation towards a commission from Boston composer Lee Hyla. In addition, Firebird Ensemble is currently collaborating with five young composers on commission projects: Curtis Hughes (NEC Alumnus), Marcin Bela (NEC Alumnus), Nicholas Vines (Harvard Graduate Student), David Claman (Holy Cross Faculty), and with Derek Hurst (Brandeis Graduate Student) on a Fromm Foundation commission.
Firebird Ensemble’s recent educational activities have included residencies at New England Conservatory (Oct. 2004), a joint collaboration with Brave New Works at Tufts University (May 2004) and upcoming projects at Brandeis University and Dartmouth College.
Firebird Ensemble’s instrumentation expands and contracts according to the demands of the program but usually features about ten performers with a core instrumentation of violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, piano and percussion.
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Monday, February 11th, at 6pm and 8pm |
MEAT THE COMPOSER, Mark III
Join us on Monday, February 11th at either 6pm or 8pm for another
fabulous extravaganza of contemporary and cross over music with a
veritable FEAST at Redbones BBQ Restaurant!
Firebird Ensemble will be featuring the music of TOOL, Jonathan Holland,
Jacob ter Veldhuis, Lee Hyla, Herschel Garfein, Aaron Trant, Betty
Wright and many more!
Click below to buy tickets for the performances in the "Underbelly"
at Redbones BBQ restaurant, 55 Chester Street, Davis Square, Somerville.
Warning: These shows sell out fast, so don't delay!!!
Buy Tickets
