Borderlands Ensemble
Biography Borderlands Ensemble
The Borderlands Ensemble
was formed in 2017 by Johanna Lundy, Ellen Chamberlain, Sarah Toy, Ann Weaver, and Robert Chamberlain. After many years working together in an orchestral setting, they were ready to explore new concert formats and grow relationships with audiences. The ensemble’s performances aim to disrupt barriers imposed by classical music venues and traditions, making classical music more engaging and relevant to all people. Past concerts have taken place at breweries, biker bars, and coffee houses and the group has collaborated with the Museum of Contemporary Art-Tucson, the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, the Downtown Chamber Series (Phoenix), El Crisol Mezcal Bar, Galeria Mitotera, the Loft Cinema, and many others.
The Borderlands Ensemble supports composers and their creation of new music and believes in the medium of contemporary art music to shed light on humanity and create collective experiences. They also enjoy performing pop, rock, and folk crossover music. They strive to celebrate and promote diversity in everything they do, with the long-term goal to change the public’s perception of classical and contemporary art music and to create measurable social change in the borderlands community through music.
The project that inspired this album, Place and Identity in the Borderlands, was an exploration into the shared cultural identity of Arizona and Mexico, presented through the lens of classical chamber music. Special collaborators joined the group: guitarist Dr. José Luis Puerta, Mexican historian Dr. Luis Coronado Guel, and visual artist Jessica Gonzales. Drs. Puerta and Guel were instrumental in selecting popular and folk repertoire to compliment the new compositions. Gonzales created four original paintings that were inspired by the new works on this album – her artwork is featured throughout.
Special thanks to the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, The University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music, and the Tucson Guitar Society for their support of this project. Additionally, this project would not have been possible without the support of private donors and collaborators.
