The members of OLEA met in the Spring of 2021 through their participation in the Cincinnati New Music Ensemble (CNME). Inspired by the artistry, musicianship, and spirit of collaboration they saw in one another as well as their shared interest in new music, they founded OLEA shortly after. OLEA aims to create music that is engaging and impactful for audiences.
With their unique instrumentation of violin, clarinet, cello, and piano, they have played in various duo, trio and quartet configurations, exploring some of the most compelling chamber music repertoire. In the spring of 2022 they gave an interactive performance of perhaps the most well-known and intensive piece written for their instrumentation, Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, encouraging audiences to use the music to help them reflect on their experiences of time throughout the pandemic. In the summer of 2022, OLEA completed residencies at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute as well as the Decoda Chamber Music Festival, both of which were fully funded.
Since its inception, the importance of new music and creative collaboration has remained at the center of OLEA’s artistic vision. Future projects include regional tours through the United States, competing in international competitions, and commissioning new works by living composers.