VIKLARBO CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
One of the most bold and versatile chamber groups in the country, Viklarbo Chamber Ensemble has performed throughout the U.S., from the shores of the Mississippi to the beaches of Waikiki. Founded in 1987 by Maria Newman (violin/viola) and Wendy Prober (piano), this critically acclaimed ensemble of strings and piano, regularly expands using voice and woodwinds. Viklarbo brings their spontaneity and passion to traditional classics and 21st century classics in the making. National Public Radio’s Jim Svejda states, “Passionate, adventurous, hugely intelligent, and deeply musical, Viklarbo is one of the finest chamber ensembles in the country.” The group tours nationally with a vast repertoire that includes music by its own award winning Composer-in-Residence, Maria Newman. Viklarbo Chamber Ensemble is a past Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Southern California , Loyola Marymount University, and “Sundays at Four,” Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Viklarbo Chamber Ensemble is a multiple recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the L.A. Cultural Affairs Department. Bringing vitality and diversity to the concert stage, they have performed nationwide and have been presented by; The Cerritos Center, Bruman Chamber Music Series of the UCLA Center for the Performing Arts, El Camino College, California Plaza, Syracuse University, La Jolla Athenaeum Arts and Music Library, Caltech, Museum of Neon Art, Dame Myra Hess Concert Series, Laguna Beach Chamber Music Society, Newport Harbor Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Caldwell Fine Arts at The College of Idaho, Pittsburg State University, the Dallas Museum of Art, Twentieth Century Unlimited, Brigham Young University, Maurice Abravanel Hall, University of Utah, Chamber Music Society of Logan, Southern Utah University, KiMo Theatre, Kerr Cultural Center, Verde Valley Concert Association, Willamette University, Headwaters Council for the Performing Arts, Memphis State University New Music Festival, University of Hawaii, and the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
In the 1990's, Viklarbo produced the “Evolutions in Harmony” concert series/radio broadcasts showcasing contemporary music, specifically, the music of African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Women composers. The “Evolutions” series featured Los Angeles area composers including 15 premieres of new works by such composers as Miklós Rózsa, Erica Muhl, Maria Newman, and Augusta Read Thomas. The four-part Evolutions in Harmony” radio mini-series hosted by Jim Svejda “was aired in 12 states on the
Public Radio Satellite System.
Viklarbo and its members’ recordings are featured on the Montgomery Arts House Masterworks Recordings, Bay Cities Music, Varese Sarabande, Colosseum and Raptoria Caam, Celestial Harmonies and RCM Labels. Viklarbo’s recordings of new works include the compositions of National Medal of Arts and Grammy-nominated composer Morten Lauridsen, Friedheim Award of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and four-time Latin Grammy nominated composer Aurelio de la Vega, Variety Composer Legend Award winner Maria Newman, and Guggenheim fellow Don Freund.
VIKLARBO CHAMBER ENSEMBLE maintains a core roster of violin, viola, cello, clarinet and piano performing solos, duos, trios and quartets. It regularly expands for string quartets, vocal chamber music, and larger ensemble pieces.
Viklarbo, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
For booking information, please contact Wendy Prober, Managing Director vikchamberensemble@gmail.com
