The Montclair Orchestra is now APEX Ensemble
Founded five years ago to provide an unprecedented learning environment for top music conservatory students through training and performance alongside professional mentors from some of the world’s leading orchestras, the ensemble has won accolades for its “pinpoint coordination, mature musical insight, and irresistible esprit that would be the envy of many a big-city symphony” (New York Classical Review).
Accompanied by a new logo and visual identity, the organization’s change of name reflects its growing scope and aspirations, which now transcend its geographic roots. The APEX Ensemble is scheduled to give its next concert on November 5, marking its first appearance under the new name.
Music Director David Chan, who also serves as Concertmaster of New York’s Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, comments:
“While we remain committed to the Montclair community and the audiences that have faithfully supported us from the beginning, we have grown to a point where a single geographic location is no longer sufficient to fully convey our goals and aspirations as an organization. Rebranding ourselves as the APEX Ensemble opens up the true possibilities of our mission, which aims for the pinnacle of artistic achievement through mentoring gifted musicians of the next generation.”
Founder and President Andre Weker explains: “APEX Ensemble represents everything that our organization aspires to be: the highest level of opportunity for the next generation of orchestral musicians. This new identity also sets the framework for new, forward-thinking programs, starting with youth programs in the coming year that will broaden the pipeline for diverse young musicians developing a lifelong passion for music.”
The Montclair Orchestra, now known as the APEX Ensemble, in March 2020
(photo: Rob Davison)
APEX provides a unique pre-professional training experience. Since its founding in 2016, the organization has awarded paid fellowships to more than 150 outstanding young musicians from the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music, Montclair State University, New York University, Rutgers University and other leading conservatories and university music departments. These student fellows perform side by side with experienced professional mentors drawn from such eminent ensembles as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Orchestra of St. Luke’s. The APEX Ensemble’s new name and visual branding were created in consultation with 21C Media Group.
