Multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader Vinny Golia—who gave up painting to pursue music full-time in 1971—founded the Large Ensemble in 1982 to perform his original compositions for chamber orchestra; while his composition style is strongly based in the Jazz tradition, it blends heavily notated contemporary chamber music with improvisation, and incorporates various extended instrumental techniques, 20th-century and 21st-century idioms, and world music concepts.
Golia’s music demands a talented and exceptional group of dedicated musicians, adept at both reading and improvising, at home in a wide variety of styles. Though most works have only been performed live a single time, the repertoire for the Large Ensemble now consists of more than two hundred compositions.
“At a time when resources make economical small-group free music seem most feasible, Golia sets his sights on colossal compositions … and with this ensemble he has quite a paintbox to draw from.” – Downbeat
“Golia’s writing encompasses elements from jazz, contemporary classical idioms, world music, blues, marches, you name it. He molds these diverse influences into a coherent, evolutionary flow that surpasses mere pastiche.” –Coda
“What gives unity and coherence to Golia’s music, holding together all the individual voices and free improvisation that exists within it, is its conceptual depth.” —L.A. Jazz Scene
“Golia and his group are filling a very special niche in current exploratory music.” –Jazz News
Lineup
Trumpet: Thomas Heberer
Trumpet: Jack Walrath
Trumpet: Joe Moffett
Trombone: Joe Fiedler
Trombone: Jen Baker
Trombone: Reut Regev
Bass Trombone: Dave Taylor
Tuba: Jay Rozen
Cfl, Alto Flute: Elsa Nilsson
Oboe/English Horn: Libby Van Cleve
Bari/Cbclar/Alto & C Flute: Josh Sinton
Bb/Bass Clarinets: Marty Erlich
Saxophones: Ingrid Laubrock
Saxophone: Tim Berne
Bassoon: Sarah Schoenbeck
Vibraphone: Matt Moran
Marimba: Russell Greenberg
Guitar: Gregg Belisle-Chi
Piano: Alexis Marcelo
Violin: Sarah Bernstein
Violin: Jason Hwang
Viola: Meanie Dyer
Cello: Zachary Brown
Cello: Peri Mauer
Bass: Adam Lane
Bass: Ken Filiano
Drums & Percussion: Michael T Thompson
Drums & Percussion: Harris Eisenstadt
Conductor/Woodwinds/Composer: Vinny Golia