About the Artist/Ensemble

Alma Ensemble is a classical chamber ensemble that focuses on performing and commissioning works by female composers. Founded by flutist Sarah Wardle Jones, clarinetist Michelle Smith Johnson, and pianist Erica Sipes, Alma Ensemble is dedicated to championing women in music, connecting with audiences, and and promoting music education. Born from a desire of the founding members to create music that is empowering and personally resonant, Alma Ensemble regularly performs chamber music by women composers while exploring performance practices outside the traditional classical paradigm. As part of their mission, Alma Ensemble also actively commissions and programs new works by women composers.

Concert/Performance Description

Solo/Duo Offerings: $1,000 – $1,600 

Solo Piano Concert (~60 minutes)

“Let Them Soar!”

Erica Sipes presents a program of music composed by women from the 1700’s into the 1900’s. In the process she’ll share stories about the various composers and inspire some discussion about why we don’t often hear these pieces performed even though they deserve to be. Composers included are Marianna Martines, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Germaine Tailleferre, Lili Boulanger, Mel Bonis, Dora Pejačević, Anna von Schaden, and Madeline Dring.

Flute and Piano Duo (~60 minutes) 

“Pocket Full of Calm”

Emily Dickenson famously wrote, “hope is the thing with feathers,” and this program pays musical tribute to art and solace and a source of hope and strength. Hear music by Katherine Hoover, Mel Bonis, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Cecil Chaminade and Sally Whitwell and more.

Trio Concert: $1,600

• In Her Own Voice: An all-female composer program of traditional and contemporary chamber music. Includes a multimedia presentation, discussion of each composer and interactive elements.
• In Time of Silver Rain: A wonderful mix of some of our favorite works for flute, clarinet, piano: Composers in this concert include Germaine Tailleferre, Lili Boulanger, Francis Poulenc, C.P.E. Bach, and Gwyneth Walker.
• A Celebration of Dance: A thrilling program of dances and dance-inspired repertoire. Composers include Aaron Copland, Valerie Coleman, and Camille Saint-Saens, and more
• Custom Chamber Concerts: May be tailored to presenter request and feature an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary chamber music featuring at least one female composer on each program. Suitable for all ages.

Audience

• All Ages