Garrett Keast, an American conductor based in Berlin, has formed the Berlin Academy of American Music (BAAM), an orchestra of Berlin-based musicians who focus on music by American and American immigrant composers. The orchestra, formed during the pandemic, performs in Berlin, and in February 2022 performed at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. In October 2021, the orchestra released its first album, Transatlantic, recorded in Berlin’s Teldex Studios and released on ONYX Classics. In announcing the ensemble, Keast said the orchestra aims to create “a cultural bridge between America and Europe, presenting sophisticated programs with popular appeal, providing a focus on social justice issues through modern works, and showcasing an exceptionally talented orchestra from the German capital.” Recent performances have featured music by Stravinsky, Anthony Davis, Caroline Shaw, Milhaud, Takemitsu, Bernstein, Craig Urquhart, Gershwin, and Avner Dorman. More information at berlinacademyofamericanmusic.com.
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