Featuring some of the top players from Central New York’s classical, jazz, and experimental scenes 315 Ensemble is a mixed chamber group that “…blurs the boundaries between industrial and organic, soothing and suspenseful, introspective and anxious” (International Clarinet Association). Founded in 2016 by composer/guitarist Chris Cresswell while living in the United Kingdom, 315 Ensemble relaunched in its namesake community in 2021. 

Committed to performing new music that embraces contemporary classical, ambient, and electronic musical worlds, 315 Ensemble has commissioned and championed exciting composers from around the world, including Emily Levy, Kevin Baldwin, Patrick Ellis, and Jamie Elless. It also serves as the primary vehicle for Chris Cresswell’s work as a composer and sound artist. They have performed at the Frontiers Festival in Birmingham, England, have been featured on the International Music Council’s Window on the World radio program, and released their debut EP on Ravello Records in 2018. 

A chamber sextet, 315 Ensemble features Diane Jones on flutes, Elizabeth Schmidt on clarinets, Edgar Tumajyan on violin, Kristen Kopf on cello, Nick Abelgore on piano, and Chris Cresswell on electric guitar. They champion work “with electronics” providing composers a platform to expand and experiment with compositional and sonic possibilities. Upcoming projects include newly commissioned works by Patrick Ellis, Jamie Elless, and Edward Ruchalski.

315 Ensemble is invested in, and supported by the Central New York arts community. They have received support from CNY Arts, WCNY-FM, Birmingham Conservatoire, and new music fans from around the world. They are committed to becoming a mainstay of the ever growing music scene in Central New York.