Mission

The Playground is a musical ensemble dedicated to the ground-breaking works of the 20th century, as well as the music of our own time. With intriguing programs in diverse settings we aim to expand common conceptions of both contemporary music and the chamber ensemble.

About

The Playground is a chamber ensemble of many diverse instruments, dedicated to the presentation of the different, new, unusual and exciting. We understand that some "modern music" has alienated the more traditionally-oriented listener; and we acknowledge that the conventional concert hall-experience can be unappealing to the more adventurous listener. We offer experiences across a wide gamut: from the more familiar, i.e. perhaps "comfortable," to the less familiar, i.e. CHALLENGING

We are not bound to atonality or tonality. That argument is over, and nobody won! No one can claim ownership of what happens next. We will program it all, side by side, reflecting the real diversity of the present-day world.

We will perform the following - and more - in familiar and less-familiar venues: ground-breaking works of the 20th century, 21st century premieres, world music, jazz, rock, film music, aleatory, chamber improv, electro-acoustic and multi-media. Where experimentation and tradition meet, you'll find us there. Where they diverge, you'll find us, too.

The Playground includes performers on varying instruments and of diverse backgrounds: instruments represented include voice, piano, guitar, flute, violin, cello, accordion and percussion. Made up primarily of graduates of Lamont's Masters Program who teach or have taught there, the ensemble ranges from Artist-Diploma recipients to retired faculty to professional musicians active in the Denver metro area and beyond. Playground participants bring a wide spectrum of experience and perspective to the ensemble, as well as a high degree of professional collegiality.

The Playground recognizes and welcomes a responsibility to education. A large part of our mission is to bring under-represented music to a wider audience. We perform concerts, present lectures, and host master classes for students of all ages and backgrounds. Many of us are faculty at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music where we are an Artist-in-Residence ensemble.

History

In 2001, a group of Lamont School of Music students and graduates began talking about "what next." Their discussions led to the formation of an ensemble whose purpose was to perform their own music. The scope of this ensemble broadened to encompass all music of the twentieth- and twenty first-centuries, with an emphasis on neglected masterpieces and untraditional styles and genres. The Playground was born.

Its founders shared three basic values: a passion for twentieth-century music outside the mainstream, a commitment to bringing this music to Colorado audiences, and a dedication to making it fun. 

Over the next few years the Playground gave sporadic concerts whenever grant money and unique opportunities presented themselves. The project served as a part time outlet for its core members.

In 2004, director Conrad Kehn, summoned the group to present his vision of an active and relevant new music chamber ensemble. The response; All you had to do was ask!

Over the next few years The Playground developed as an ensemble and organization. 2005 brought the first full concert season and a series of educational events. 2006 brought a larger concert season, a grant through the American Music Center, Artist-in-Residence status and the enjoyment of non-profit incorporation.

The Playground appears regularly on the Lamont Faculty Artist Concert Series and at other venues in the Denver area. We often collaborate with local art galleries in the presentation of multi-media events, and with local schools in educational programs that involve young people in this exciting music as performers as well as listeners. Our programs contain music by the internationally recognized masters, as well as works by up-and-coming composers.

The Playground continues to grow. A wide range of instruments is represented by its diverse performers. The unifying idea for all involved is the total commitment to bringing the music of NOW, and occasionally yesterday, in all its many facets to YOU, our audience.