The Merian Ensemble

Biography

The Merian Ensemble is a chamber music group dedicated to raising the standard for an inclusive repertoire. The group was formed in 2018 by five women musicians from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, determined to counteract the striking dearth in women composers programmed in classical music settings. Through their "Listen: Works by Women" initiatives, the Merian Ensemble performs the abundant repertoire of music by women and commissions a new work each year.

In addition to traditional concerts, they give outreach performances for school-age children and presentations at libraries and public spaces throughout Atlanta. Their performances have been featured over 20 times on NPR's "Performance Today," and they were a recipient of a travel grant from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through USArtists International.

To date, they have commissioned seven new works funded by grants from Agnes Scott College, the American Harp Society, the PRS Foundation, and private donors. Plans for 2024 include recording an album of their commissioned works, funded by grants from The Gable Foundation, the Atlanta Foundation, the Vaughan Williams Foundation, and private donors. The Merian Ensemble is supported by New Music USA's Organization Fund in 2023-24.