Houston is in no shortage of noteworthy artistic excellence…but it never tires our ears hearing national acclaim enter our corner of the world, and in this case, it is due to the efforts of Apollo Chamber Players.
The small-but-mighty string quartet has blessed the Bayou City with its attention to music, both from our own neighborhoods as well as from around the globe, and it is heartening to see the national acclaim that follows such passionate work.
Apollo Chamber Players has been honored as Chamber Music America’s Ensemble of the Year based on its artistry, musicality and groundbreaking impact. For many of the same reasons, Apollo was fittingly recognized by as a “Best Of” by the Houston Press this year as well as in previous years for its ambitious mission and approachable format.
The accolades are something worth crowing about and are a testament to Houston’s fine ability to produce top-notch talent.
Previously, the conference was held in New York City. This marks the first year that Houston will play host to the Chamber Music America’s National Conference, perhaps signaling a shift in attention toward the Bayou City for its multiple artistic outlets.
Part of Houston’s appeal in relocating the conference is in the city’s growing artscape that has allowed performers to thrive in classical music, contemporary compositions and everything captured in between. Likewise, the litany of other arts groups that have become part of the national and international conversation claim Houston as their home, making the decision to host the conference here an easy one.
“When the committee announced earlier this year that they were moving the conference to Houston and that Apollo and some [of our peers] in Houston were the reason, I think we were all so ecstatic to see our work elevated,” said Matthew Detrick, Apollo’s founder and director. “The work that we’ve been doing shines a positive light on the arts and culture scene here in Houston.”
Detrick and company will be on hand to accept the award at the Chamber Music America’s National Conference on February 15 at the Intercontinental Hotel, which will also feature performances by Apollo and a featured speech by Detrick.
“I think it’s just such a wonderful synergy that comes together to create the community that we have, and then [when you have that type of support] you can innovate and take some chances,” he said, making sure to note the many other music groups that will play a role in the upcoming conference.
Other groups that will perform include ROCO and new music ensemble Aperio, which is dedicated to performing the music of North and South America. Musiqa, a chamber ensemble known for its innovative collaborations and work across artistic mediums, will be honored with the award for interdisciplinary project of the year.
In short, Houston scored big. The city and its cultural enthusiasts know the arts quite well, and by honoring the previously mentioned groups, it turns the rightfully earned attention to the cornucopia of talent that is located right here in our own backyard.
To see the Apollo Chamber Players in action, fans can see the group’s next performance on Saturday, January 4 at The MATCH. The Awards Luncheon takes place during the Chamber Music America’s 2025 National Conference at 1 p.m., February 15, 2025, at the Intercontinental Hotel, 6750 Main. For more information about the January 4 performance, call 713-521-4533 or visit apollochamberplayers.org. $10 – $40.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
