The
Manhattan
Sinfonietta
is committed to creating an extraordinary
concert experience. We present world-class
performances of contemporary art music from
America and abroad, with a particular emphasis
on works for large ensembles and works
integrating ensemble with electronics. Through
our commissions of talented emerging composers
as well as our realizations of modern
masterpieces, we hope to help create a new
American repertory for large chamber ensemble,
foster the community around contemporary art
music, and advocate for art music in our
culture.
Founded as the Columbia Sinfonietta in the
spring of 2000 by
Fred
Lerdahl,
Tristan Murail,
Jeffrey
Milarsky,
and Joshua Fineberg, with the support of
Columbia University’s Alice M. Ditson Fund
and the Fritz Reiner Center for Contemporary
Music, the Manhattan Sinfonietta presents
some of the most exciting and innovative
music of our time.
Conductor
and music director Jeffrey
Milarsky
is the leading conductor of contemporary art
music in New York, and the Sinfonietta's
membership consists of some of New York City's
finest performers of contemporary music.
For the last thirty years, large European
groups such as the Ensemble InterContemporain,
the Ensemble Modern, and the London Sinfonietta
have tenaciously commissioned and performed at
the highest possible level new works by
composers around the world, promoting fresh
compositions by living masters as well as
encouraging emerging artists. From solo works
to compositions involving twenty or more
musicians, these groups of professional
virtuosi have made the faithful realization of
the most adventurous contemporary art music the
core of their mission. Ensembles like these
have been an ideal medium for exploring
innovative instrumental combinations and for
pairing traditional instruments with
electronics. And often, the pieces written for
and championed by these groups have come to be
a vital part of the contemporary repertoire.
Many of these works however have not yet been
performed in America, and American composers
rarely have the opportunity to compose for
sinfonietta-sized forces.
By the Spring of 2004, the Columbia Sinfonietta
was completely established at Columbia
University as the ensemble-in-residence for its
contemporary music series. Now, with support
from the Ditson and Reiner funds, we are
presenting our
Fall 2007/Spring 2008
season,
as the Manhattan Sinfonietta. Our name
change reflects our continuing separation
from Columbia University as we incorporate
as an independent nonprofit and expand our
organization and goals. We are committed to
growing into an organization that can push
the envelope of American contemporary art
music performance.
We believe that greater things are always
possible, and are searching for
partners
who share our vision and would like to help us
create spectacular, affordable events. For more
information, or if you'd like to meet in person
to discuss specific ways in which you or your
organization could become involved,
please
contact
us.
WHAT WE ARE
© Manhattan Sinfonietta, 2007
WHAT WE ARE