“Khemia Ensemble is not just shaping the future of chamber music, they are ensuring its relevance - and resonance - for generations to come.”
Recognized as “bold, visionary, and courageous” standing as “a shining example of the transformative power of chamber music” (Chamber Music America CEO), Khemia Ensemble embraces broad perspectives in contemporary classical music. With its dynamic instrumentation (soprano, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and two percussion), Khemia’s unique sound world encompasses the presentation of new classical music with a mix of acoustic chamber works, multimedia, and multi-genre influences.
Khemia has been featured in venues and festivals including National Sawdust, the Wunsch New Music Festival, Mizzou International Composers Festival, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Argentina’s Biennial New Music Festival. Passionate artist educators, Khemia has held residencies at more than a dozen universities in North and South America. The ensemble's eight members also hold faculty positions at academic and arts institutions across the U.S. including University of Georgia, Florida State University, University of Missouri, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Utah Valley University, and the Moab Music Festival.
Committed to expanding the chamber music repertoire, Khemia has commissioned and premiered over 130 works by professional and student composers and has two studio albums: Voyages (Bandcamp, 2016) and Intersections (Ravello Records, 2022) featuring seven Khemia-commissioned works.
Khemia Ensemble is Amy Petrongelli (soprano), Mary Matthews (flute), Thiago Ancelmo (clarinet), Francesca Anderegg (guest violin), Eli Lara (cello), Annie Jeng (piano), Shane Jones (percussion), & Chelsea Tinsler Jones (percussion).
Note: Khemia’s name is derived from the Greek word χημεία (chemistry) and is pronounced KEM-ee-uh.
OUR MISSION
Khemia Ensemble embraces broad perspectives in contemporary classical chamber music by presenting engaging performances, commissioning new works, and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
WHO WE AREWe are artist educators who believe in representing a diverse range of voices in contemporary classical music. As a chamber ensemble, we share our love for compelling music, inclusive place-making, authentic storytelling, and meaningful collaboration through presenting relevant and engaging performances. We actively promote living composers through concerts, commissions, and mentorship with the next generation of composers and performers through workshops, masterclasses, and residencies.