There is a new chamber music ensemble in Washington DC, and it’s called Counterpoint.
Counterpoint is an innovative chamber music ensemble formed in 2010 by an accomplished group of energetic and dynamic classically trained musicians who share a compelling vision of the classical music experience. They sculpt their performances from a unique blend of classical and contemporary compositions with other stimulating visual and aural experiences. It’s comprised of Washington DC area professional musicians, who regularly perform with the National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Washington National Opera, President’s Own Marine Band, and Alexandria Symphony.
Our first concert was October 27th, 2010, and it was a fundraiser for the flood victims in Pakistan, so it was held at the Pakistan Embassy. In just over an hour we were able to raise more than $100,000.
“As a diverse group of American musicians, we are also voicing our unequivocal support of people in need no matter what their religion or ethnicity. Rather than raising our voices and adding to global friction, we are playing powerful music that touches many cultures and brings us together in hopes that people will commit themselves to helping those in need and rejoice with us in the beauty and diversity in this, our only world.”
The concert was a huge success, and the next one will be held February 28, 2011 in McLean, VA.
The tentative program is:
Be-In by Evan Ziporyn
Gloria by Handel with soprano Esther Heideman
Mendelssohn String Symphony No. 2 in D major
Divertimento for String Orchestra by Béla Bartók
Aria from Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos with soprano Esther Heideman
Tune in to my website for further updates.
