The members of OLEA met in the Spring of 2021 through their participation in the Cincinnati New Music Ensemble (CNME). Inspired by the artistry, musicianship, and spirit of collaboration they saw in one another as well as their shared interest in new music, they founded OLEA shortly after. OLEA aims to create music that is engaging and impactful for audiences. With their unique instrumentation of violin, clarinet, cello, and piano, they have played in various duo, trio and quartet configurations, exploring some of the most compelling chamber music repertoire. In the spring of 2022 they gave an interactive performance of perhaps the most well-known and intensive piece written for their instrumentation, Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, encouraging audiences to use the music to help them reflect on their experiences of time throughout the pandemic. In the summer of 2022, OLEA completed residencies at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute as well as the Decoda Chamber Music Festival, both of which were fully funded. Future projects include regional tours through the United States, competing in international competitions, and commissioning new works by living composers.
The upcoming non-partisan program of OLEA, titled "Contemplations on Democracy," will use chamber music paired with artwork to engage students with issues while learning about the democratic and electoral processes that shape our modern political landscape. Students will have the opportunity to vote on which topics they would like to explore more deeply and will gain insight into the ways that democracy works in our everyday lives through musical performances and artwork accompaniment. OLEA believes in the importance of creating authentic connections with audiences through engaging musical performances and collaborations and will invite students to participate throughout the performance.
The National Art Honor Society would like to invite all students and staff to join us for the 10/25/2024 performance from 3:00-4:30pm in the Ione Holt Auditorium.
