Mirror Visions Ensemble Biography

Nov. 7, 2022

Mirror Visions Ensemble (MVE) was founded from a desire to explore the relationship between music and text, initially through the creation of “mirror visions” — settings of the same text to music by different composers. The group's passion for storytelling has produced thematic concerts on surprising subjects, based on scholarly research and laced with humor, leading to the revitalization of art song programming. Featuring soprano, tenor, baritone and piano, often joined by other instrumentalists, MVE’s programs take audiences on an imaginative journey through song, showcasing both well-known and oft-neglected pieces, set to texts by poets and historical figures.

Now in its 30th season, Mirror Visions Ensemble has fostered the work of new composers through the commissioning of over 105 works by more than 35 composers. The ensemble has presented its programs, residencies, and masterclasses both in the U.S. and abroad at concert halls, schools, libraries, and museums such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center, Le Poisson Rouge, California State University at Fullerton, University of Southern California, New York University, Yale University, Welshpool Music Club (Wales), Pollok House Arts Society (Scotland), and France’s Musée Carnavalet, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and American University of Paris.

Founder and Artistic Director Emerita Tobé Malawista was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 2008. MVE’s discography includes Américain à Paris (Albany 2003), Secrets (Albany 2004), Cosmic and Domestic Matters (Albany 2008), and The Three-Paneled Mirror (Centaur 2015).