Third Angle New Music Ensemble - Copland: Tenderland Suite; Appalachian Spring (1997)

The Third Angle New Music Ensemble is the leading contemporary chamber group in the United States Pacific Northwest Region.

It was founded in 1985 with the purpose of bringing American music, particularly of recent years, to a wider public in fully professional performances of high standards. The members believe that these musical works represent the highest artistic expressions of the times.

The permanent core group of artists on the TANME roster numbers eight, who are frequently joined by guest artists when particular works require additional players or an instrument or voice not covered by one of the regular members.

Since its founding, the group has presented nearly 100 contemporary music programs. It has commissioned 19 new works, making it one of the most active presenters of new music in the United States.

It appears primarily in the Northwest, and has regularly appeared at the Oregon Bach Festival, the Cascade Festival of Music, the University of Oregon Vanguard Concert Series, the New Music at Willamette Concert Series, the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art Music, and the Oregon Festival of American Music. In addition, it performs as a guest ensemble at colleges and concert series in the region.

The TANME often embraces a multi-cultural approach. Examples are its appearances with the Showers of Beauty Gamelan, African-American performers such as Obo Adday and Mel Brown, The Jefferson Dancers, and leading American Indian performer-composers Ed Edmo and Arian Neskahi.

The group has made recordings for Gagliano Recordings and KOCH International Classics labels and has appeared on the national NPR program Performance Today. © Joseph Stevenson