Black Oak Ensemble

The Black Oak Ensemble is building a reputation as a major American chamber group with innovative recordings and a strong commitment to contemporary music. The ensemble was founded in 2015. Its members are violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, cellist David Cunliffe, and violist Aurélien Fort Pederzoli. The trio made a major splash in 2019 with the release of its Silenced Voices album. In performance, the Black Oak Ensemble has collaborated with a range of musicians, including guitarist Mak Grgic and harpsichordist Jory Vinikour. The trio often programs contemporary music and has commissioned new works from such composers as Michael Nyman and Conrad Tao, as well as unearthing previously unknown works. In 2022, the Black Oak Ensemble released the album Avant l'Orage: French String Trios 1926-1939.