Ensemble 20/21, a multi-instrumental ensemble of Curtis students, faculty, and alumni, performs a wide range of music from the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by Curtis students and alumni. Flexible in size and scope, Ensemble 20/21 explores social issues through works from the 20th and 21st centuries in much of its programming.
The ensemble has appeared at major U.S. venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Miller Theatre, as well as international venues, including the Intimacy of Creativity festival in Hong Kong. The ensemble has presented concert portraits of iconic composers in residence Unsuk Chin, John Corigliano, George Crumb, Krzysztof Penderecki, Augusta Read Thomas, and Chen Yi, among many others. With a rich legacy of bold collaborations and striking productions, Ensemble 20/21 embraces the cutting edge of musical exploration through the highest level of artistry.
Saturday, March 6
Eight soloists perform composer in residence Alvin Singleton's eight-part masterpiece Argoru, the title of which comes from the Ghanaian Twi language and means “to play.”
Saturday, March 20
Ensemble 20/21 performs Julius Eastman’s (Piano ’63) spellbinding composition The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc featuring Curtis’s entire cello studio.
Saturday, May 15
Harpist Coline Marie Orliac (’10) performs new works commissioned by fellow Curtis alumni.
Generous support for Ensemble 20/21 is provided by the Daniel W. Dietrich II Foundation.