Erehwon Ensemble, Kingston's Chamber Orchestra, is a fully professional ensemble dedicated to enriching and connecting our community by offering passionate, engaging, and transformative live musical experiences of the highest caliber for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Thoughtfully curated by Conductor David Rudge, our dynamic concerts will juxtapose rarely heard classical masterpieces and fresh approaches to more familiar works with diverse compositions inspired by pop, jazz, and a variety of musical styles from around the world.

 

From historically informed baroque playing to the varied voices of living and underrepresented composers, from Argentinian tango to American fiddle music, from spontaneous improvisation to audience involvement, we find inspiration in breaking down artificial musical boundaries. We offer a profound shared musical experience, and our audiences have come to expect the unexpected.

 

At a time when we are constantly flooded with bad news, endless to-do lists, and nonstop digital noise, science has shown us that live music actually rewires neural pathways by strengthening memory, regulating emotion, and boosting creativity. It can flood our brains with dopamine while reducing stress, strengthening immunity, and forging deeper social bonds.

 

People now connect through their phones and computers, often texting rather than talking, zooming rather than meeting, and streaming music in isolation. Our concerts provide the space to be physically together in the present moment and immersed in a transformative concert experience of deep listening and mindfulness. Even in a world increasingly dominated by AI, live performance remains the standard by which human artistic communication is measured. Our conviction is that a community that supports an orchestra will benefit from a higher quality of life and deeper sense of community. 

 

Our diverse team is actively committed to accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. This will be evident in everything from our musical selections to special ticket discounts and community outreach at assisted living facilities, public libraries, and schools throughout the city. 

 

Erehwon Ensemble is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of only three musician-led orchestras in the US. This business model is designed to be artistically excellent, administratively lean, and financially responsible. Ticket sales only cover 30% the orchestra's expenses, and we are grateful for the generous sponsors who make future concerts possible by providing vital support.