Ensemble Resonance was formed when its members (from the US and France) met at a week long international music conference near San Francisco in June 2000. Recognizing that similar aims and ways of working were being pursued in both the American and French groups, they decided to join forces, blending together and benefiting from the richness of new instrumental combinations.
Since then, Ensemble Resonance has made several visits to both sides of the ocean, rehearsing, recording and concertizing, and each year their popularity grows. Their variety of programs and unique way of engaging the audience, drawing everyone into the process of music making, touches the range of human response – from depth of feeling to downright fun.
More and more music lovers of all ages have been coming to enjoy the performances of Ensemble Resonance. They are attracted by the experience of live music making, world class performers and a first-hand glimpse into the workings of a small chamber ensemble: making arrangements, trying different combinations of instruments, and showing how musical decisions and choices are made. The hands-on, participatory moments of the concerts have been particularly popular, very alive and a real shared adventure for audiences and performers.
“Resonance,” the Ensemble’s first CD, was made from recordings of their concerts at the Rochester Folk Art Guild in July 2000. A second CD, “II (Sessions 2003-2004),” was released May 1, 2005.
The Ensemble’s members, classically trained musicians with world-class experience and credentials, include: Christian Chanel, guitar; Marie Chanel-Vignon, guitar; Michael Hunter, piano; Herbert Lashner, oboe; Paul Schliffer, flute; and Matthew Shubin, bassoon.