Ensemble 20/21

Ensemble 20/21’s repertoire features works from the 20th and 21st centuries. With bold collaborations and striking productions, Ensemble 20/21 embraces the cutting edge of contemporary classical music through the highest level of artistry.

Music of Change

Ensemble 20/21 explores critical political and social ideas with “Music of Change.” The program features flutist and composer Valerie Coleman’s evocative musical memoir of Josephine Baker, Portraits of Josephine,Phillip Maneval’s brass quartet, How We Prevail, a moving meditation on the political turmoil of our time, and more.

Music of the Earth

“Music of the Earth” highlights compositions inspired by the natural world, with acclaimed Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate’s astounding piece for solo timpani, Talowa’ Hiloha (Thunder Song), Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s avian-influenced chamber work, Terrestre, and more.

Portrait of Aaron Jay Kernis

Ensemble 20/21 closes with a performance featuring two mesmerizing works by the Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis. The concert, “Portrait of Aaron Jay Kernis”, begins with Kernis’ recent opus, Earth, for solo tenor and chamber ensemble.

Special Thanks

Generous support for Ensemble 20/21 is provided by the Daniel W. Dietrich II Foundation.