Since its inception in 2000, THE IRIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA has established itself as one of the most successful new musical groups in the United States. It was founded by conductor Michael Stern at the invitation of Albert Pertalion, former executive director of the Germantown Performing Arts Centre, and the City of Germantown, Tennessee. The orchestra is comprised of musicians from all over the United States. Since its inaugural concert in September 2000, IRIS has received unanimous public and critical acclaim, and by its combination of varied programming and exciting performances it has been embraced by its audience and the community. The orchestra is dedicated to revitalizing the concert experience by presenting a broad mix of chamber orchestra repertoire in conjunction with a stellar list of invited guest soloists, and committed as well to its educational and outreach initiatives in the community and especially for young audiences. A vital part of the original mission of IRIS has consistently been the support of American music, commissioning and recording works by such composers as Stephen Hartke, Richard Danielpour, Edgar Meyer, and Ellen Taffee Zwilich. The Stephen Hartke commission was released by Naxos in 2003 as part of the American Classics series.

Discography