Imani Winds Gets NPR Nod for Best Contemporary Classical Album of the Year

The Imani Winds is one of our favorite wind groups, and we're obviously not alone!  Recently, NPR recognized the group's latest album - Terra Incognita - as one of the five best contemporary classical music albums of the year.  (read the full story and listen online at NPR.org).

This album profiles three jazz composers: Jason Moran, Wayne Shorter and Paquito D'Rivera.   Yes -  a woodwind quintet playing jazz music.  This is why we love the Imani winds - their ability to creatively compile interesting programs for the wind quintet format, and their commitment to constantly expanding boundaries with their music.  Congrats from all of us at PCMS!

More than North America's premier wind quintet, Imani Winds has established itself as one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in the United States. Since 1997, the Grammy nominated quintet has taken a unique path, carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world with its dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming, genre-blurring collaborations, and inspirational outreach programs. With two member composers and a deep commitment to commissioning new work, the group is enriching the traditional wind quintet repertoire while meaningfully bridging European, American, African and Latin American traditions.