Nancy Laupheimer, the founder, director, and flutist of the Taos Chamber Music Group (TCMG), has brought extraordinary and varied musical experiences to Taos through her connections with world-class artists and her own musicianship. These connections and the regard that these artists have for Nancy have allowed TCMG to bring many of them back to Taos time and time again. Nancy's dedication and vision have played a crucial role in putting Taos on the musical map and establishing TCMG as a leading force in the world of chamber music. With a repertoire that ranges from Baroque to Contemporary and includes compositions by Latin American, Spanish, Native American, Baltic, Middle Eastern, women, and jazz composers, TCMG has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional chamber music and offered its audiences something truly unique. The Taos Chamber Music Group's 2022-2023 Season is a celebration of 30 years of music-making and a reflection of the group's roots in the rich cultures, arts community, and natural surroundings of Taos. As always, the season will feature a wide variety of programs that combine master musicians with other artistic disciplines in inspiring and moving performances at the Harwood Museum of Art. From classical masterpieces to world music and two new commissions, there is sure to be something for everyone. One of the highlights of the season is the return of the Grammy-nominated ensemble, Hub New Music, to Taos for the launch of its tenth anniversary in January.
Michael Avitabile is the founder and flute player of Hub New Music, a contemporary music ensemble born in Boston Massachusetts, but now moving its operations to the Metro Detroit area. The ensemble is made up of Michael Avitabile on flute, Gleb Kanasevich on clarinet, Meg Rohrer on violin and viola, and Jesse Christeson on cello, performing a diverse range of music written specifically for their unique combination of instruments. Michael began playing the flute at the late age of 14, and quickly excelled in his studies at the pre college division of Juilliard School and the University of Michigan. He then went on to complete his graduate studies at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he founded Hub New Music as a school project. Over the past decade, Hub New Music has grown into a full-time job for Michael and his team of four colleagues and a manager. In 2023, Hub New Music will celebrate its tenth anniversary by commissioning eight new pieces of music, with the first premiere scheduled for January. In addition to their busy schedule of concerts and commissions, Hub New Music recently received a Grammy nomination for their album "Requiem for the Enslaved" with composer Carlos Simon. It has been an incredible year for the ensemble, and they are excited to see what the future holds as they embark on their second decade together. Hub New Music tours nationally and internationally, performing around 20 to 30 concerts each year. The ensemble has previously visited Taos, New Mexico, and were thrilled by the warm reception they received from the community. They are excited to return to Taos and perform at the Harwood Museum once again.Hub New Music aims to bring a fresh and exciting approach to contemporary classical music, and they are always looking for new opportunities to perform and connect with audiences. They are looking forward to immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Taos and making new memories during their visit.
Sage Shurman (b. 2005) is a seventeen year old composer and pianist based in Los Angeles. At such a young age, she has already achieved impressive success in the music world. Shurman's compositions are known for their unpredictable yet driving nature, full of contrast and rhythmic interplay. She aims to keep listeners on edge while also immersing them in a cohesive sonic experience. Shurman's talent has not gone unrecognized. She is a 2022 winner of the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards and a third-year fellow in the Los Angeles Philharmonic Nancy and Barry Sanders Composer Fellowship program. Recently, she was also the recipient of a fellowship from the Hub New Music and Luna Lab collaboration.In addition to these accolades, Shurman has had the opportunity to have her work performed by renowned ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, members of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Sandbox Percussion, and Triple Helix. She has also participated in programs at Tanglewood (BUTI), Sunset Chamberfest, and MATA Jr. Shurman also has experience in film scoring and has worked with film score composer Kurt Farquhar. It is clear that Shurman is a talented and promising young musician with a bright future ahead of her.One of Shurman's most emotionally charged pieces is called "Shattere Me," and it is set to be performed by the Hub New Music ensemble in Taos, New Mexico. This piece showcases Shurman's ability to convey deep emotions through her music and demonstrates the maturity of her compositions. It is sure to be a highlight of the concert and a testament to the young composer's talent.
In addition to her impressive accomplishments as a composer and pianist, Sage Shurman has recently achieved another major milestone in her young career. She has been accepted to Harvard University, where she will continue to pursue her passion for music and develop her skills as a musician. Shurman's acceptance to Harvard at the age of seventeen is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. It is clear that she has a bright future ahead of her, and we can't wait to see what she will achieve in the coming years. As a composer and pianist, Sage Shurman has already made a name for herself in the music world.With so much to look forward to, the Taos Chamber Music Group's 2022-2023 Season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and diverse yet. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience these exceptional performances for yourself. The trail-blazing quartet of flute, clarinet, violin, and cello is marking this milestone by commissioning eight new works, including “Shatter Me“ a Taos Chamber Music Group commission. Don't miss the chance to hear these exciting new works when Hub New Music performs on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 5:30 p.m at the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico.
For tickets please visit: taoschambermusicgroup.org/concert-calendar
