Empyrean Ensemble
Sam Nichols, director
Matilda Hofman, conductor-in-residence
The Empyrean Ensemble is a professional new music ensemble in residence with the music department. Although it’s not offered as a class for undergraduates, it does collaborate with student musicians, usually in winter quarter. For more information please contact the ensemble’s director, Sam Nichols.
The Empyrean Ensemble presents engaging, thought-provoking, eclectic programs, enabling audiences to experience new musical sensations delivered with high artistry by its seven extraordinary core players—the finest new music performers in California. Ensemble-in-residence at UC Davis, Empyrean has premiered approximately 200 works and performed throughout California, including appearances at many prominent music festivals and concert series.
Empyrean Ensemble
Works by Graduate Students
Recital Hall, Ann E. Pitzer Center
Empyrean Ensemble
Sam Nichols, director • Matilda Hofman, resident conductor
Musicians Playing
TBA, violin
Ellen Ruth Rose, viola
TBA, cello
TBA, double bass
Chris Froh, percussion*
*core member
Program
Premieres by UC Davis graduate student composers—
- Alejandro Arreola
- Patricia Bartow
- Peter Chatterjee
- Paul Engle
- Max Gibson
- Guang Yang
Free
Empyrean Ensemble
Sam Nichols, director
Matilda Hofman, conductor-in-residence
Empyrean Ensemble core members:
Tod Brody, flute
Peter Josheff, clarinet
Michael Seth Orland, piano
Chris Froh, percussion
Hrabba Atladottir, violin
Ellen Ruth Rose, viola
Thalia Moore, cello
Guest musicians appearing with the ensemble:
Jessie Nucho, flute
Kyle Bruckmann, oboe
Jennifer Ellis, harp
Leighton Fong, cello
We’re grateful to the music department staff for all they do to help the ensemble:
Christina Acosta, editor
Stephen Bingen, audio engineer
Nick Carvajal, librarian
Phil Daley, events and publicity manager
Thomas Dean, business assistant
Rudy Garibay, senior graphic designer
Josh Paterson, events and production manager
Caitlin Sapunor-Davis, stage manager
Matilda Hofman
Lecturer in Music
Matilda Hofman has a varied and busy conducting schedule. Reviewers have described her conducting as “taut and finely controlled” and giving “a striking sense of purpose.” She is Music Director of the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, conductor-in-residence for the Empyrean Ensemble at UC Davis and Artistic Director of the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. Matilda also serves as a cover conductor for the San Francisco Symphony.