Biography:
Arcos Chamber Orchestra
The New York-based Arcos Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2005 by renowned saxophonist and conductor John-Edward Kelly and concertmaster Elissa Cassini. In memory of Bartók's ability to unite the past and the future in music that speaks directly to the heart, the Arcos Chamber Orchestra builds an artistic bridge from the sources of European musical culture to the most exciting modern music of our time.
Although many chamber orchestras now perform without a conductor, the Arcos Chamber Orchestra takes a more traditional approach, believing that doing without a conductor limits both the repertoire and musical unity too much. Modern music is of central importance to the orchestra, yet the Arcos Chamber Orchestra is not a “new music ensemble”.
The orchestra understands that modern music has evolved from historical music and that it cannot be performed well or well received if it is taken out of its historical context. That is why almost all of the Arcos Chamber Orchestra's programmes include both contemporary and historical works, so that listeners can discover for themselves the powerful connections between old and new. The orchestra also attaches particular importance to discovering and bringing to the public the music of lesser-known composers.
Albums:
Desert Point ∙ Ostácoli ∙ Sinfonia per archi:
