About

Hey Groupmusers! We are a collective of artists based on the East Coast, who come together for projects stretching the boundaries of what we call “chamber music.” We do this in two important ways: with the natural versatility of a rotating, close-knit roster of musicians, and through a completely fresh approach to programming.

A big part of what we do is presenting original transcriptions of works you'd never hear in a chamber music setting. When we adapt a work for our programs, we all get to another level of personal connection with the composer; and when we pair that new adaptation with tried-and-true repertoire, our listeners get to see their favorite composers in a new light. This way, we can open new avenues for dialogue between the composer, performer, and audience.

ensemble132 takes its name and inspiration from Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 132, a groundbreaking masterpiece which embodies the group’s mission to forever reimagine the chamber music experience.

Music

Every program we do partners a unique arrangement of a work outside the normal chamber music repertoire with more "standard" pieces. We distill works of orchestral magnitude into new chamber works of epic proportions, but we also expand the expressive potential of works originally meant for a solo instrument. While this generally means adapting works from the classical tradition, we also branch out in through our transcriptions when we get the chance.

Think Stravinsky's Petrouchka, but for piano quintet instead of full orchestra, or Schumann's Carnaval expanded for quartet vs. on a single set of piano keys. But also think trios and quartets by Mozart, Debussy, and Beethoven, as well as our own take on Jazz standards.

Videos

Audio

Programs

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Past groupmuses (6)