Khemia

Hailed by the Columbia Daily Tribune as adding a “fresh dimension” to the concert experience, Khemia Ensemble is dedicated to reflecting broader perspectives in contemporary classical music by presenting engaging performances, commissioning new works, and mentoring young musicians.

Khemia has been featured in venues and festivals including National Sawdust, the Mizzou International Composers Festival (Columbia, MO), Strange Beautiful Music Festival (Detroit, MI), New Music Gathering, Latin IS America (East Lansing, MI), and the Biennial New Music Festival (Cordoba, Argentina). Passionate artist educators, Khemia has held residencies at University of Michigan, Tufts University, Michigan State University, University of Missouri, University of Tennessee at Martin, the National University of Bogotá, and the National University of Córdoba, among others.

Committed to expanding the mixed chamber music repertoire, Khemia has commissioned works by composers including Stefan Freund, Phillip Sink, Nina Shekhar, Nicolas Lell Benavides, David Biedenbender, Carolina Heredia, Kaito Nakahori, and Bret Bohman. As ensemble-in-residence at the Missouri Summer Composition Institute, Khemia has workshopped and premiered over 55 works by high school composers. Khemia’s first album, Voyages, can be streamed on BandCamp.

Khemia Ensemble is Amy Petrongelli (soprano), Mary Matthews (flute), Thiago Ancelmo (clarinet), Er-Gene Kahng (violin), Eli Lara (cello), Annie Jeng (piano), Shane Jones (percussion), & Chelsea Tinsler Jones (percussion).

Note: Khemia’s name is pronounced CHEM-ee-uh, like the beginning of the word chemistry.