Mirror Visions Ensemble (MVE) was founded from a desire to explore the relationship between music and text, initially through the creation of “mirror visions” — settings of the same text to music by different composers. The group's passion for storytelling has produced thematic concerts on surprising subjects, based on scholarly research and laced with humor, leading to the revitalization of art song programming. Featuring soprano, tenor, baritone and piano, often joined by other instrumentalists, MVE’s programs take audiences on an imaginative journey through song, showcasing both well-known and oft-neglected pieces, set to texts by poets and historical figures.
Now in its 32nd season, Mirror Visions Ensemble has fostered the work of new composers through the commissioning of over 105 works by more than 35 composers. The ensemble has presented its programs, residencies, and masterclasses both in the U.S. and abroad at concert halls, schools, libraries, and museums such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center, Le Poisson Rouge, ArtSpring and the North Okanagan Community Concert Association in British Columbia, California State University at Fullerton, University of Southern California, New York University, Yale University, Laurier University, The University of Toronto and France’s Musée Carnavalet, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and American University of Paris. MVE’s concerts are often free and open to the public, continuing the ensemble’s tradition of providing access to the arts.
Founder and Executive Director Emerita Tobé Malawista was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 2008. MVE’s discography includes Américain à Paris (Albany 2003), Secrets (Albany 2004), Cosmic and Domestic Matters (Albany 2008), and The Three-Paneled Mirror (Centaur 2015). In 2023, founding member Scott Murphree and pianist Grant Wenaus assumed respective positions as Director and Associate Director of the Mirror Visions Ensemble.
Mireille Asselin, soprano
Jesse Blumberg, baritone
Mischa Bouvier, baritone
Alan Darling, piano
Margaret Kampmeier, piano
Abi Levis, mezzo-soprano
Daniel McGrew, tenor
Scott Murphree, tenor
Grant Wenaus, piano
UPDATED JULY 2023. PLEASE DESTROY ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS.