BIO

/ ‘khémia / n.

1. derived from the the Ancient Greek word χημεία (chemistry)

2. a contemporary chamber music ensemble based in the United States

Hailed by the Columbia Daily Tribune as adding a “fresh dimension” to the concert experience, Khemia Ensemble embraces broad perspectives in contemporary classical chamber music. With its dynamic instrumentation (soprano, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, two percussion), Khemia’s unique sound world encompasses the presentation of new classical music with a mix of acoustic chamber works, multimedia, and multi-genre influences.

Khemia has been featured in venues and festivals including National Sawdust (Brooklyn, NY), the Mizzou International Composers Festival (Columbia, MO), Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville, AR), Strange Beautiful Music (Detroit, MI), New Music Gathering (Bowling Green, OH), Latin IS America (East Lansing, MI), the Missouri Summer Composition Institute, and the Biennial New Music Festival (Córdoba, Argentina). Passionate artist educators, Khemia has held residencies at more than a dozen universities in North and South America. The ensemble's eight members also hold faculty positions at seven academic institutions across the U.S. including University of Georgia, Florida State University, University of Arkansas, University of Missouri, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Utah State University, and Utah Valley University.

Committed to expanding the chamber music repertoire, Khemia has commissioned and premiered over 60 mixed-instrumentation works by professional, collegiate, and high school composers. Current and recent collaborators include Bobby Ge, Florence Maunders, Nicolas Lell Benavides, David Biedenbender, Stefan Freund, Phillip Sink, and Nina Shekhar. Khemia’s sophomore album, Intersections, was released on Ravello Records in December 2022.

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.

OUR MISSION

Khemia Ensemble embraces broad perspectives in contemporary classical chamber music by presenting engaging performances, commissioning new works, and mentoring the next generation of musicians.

WHO WE ARE

We are artist educators who believe in representing a diverse range of voices in contemporary classical music. As a chamber ensemble, we share our love for compelling music, inclusive place-making, authentic storytelling, and meaningful collaboration through presenting relevant and engaging performances. We actively promote living composers through concerts, commissions, and mentorship with the next generation of composers and performers through workshops, masterclasses, and residencies.