ICE Board Members: Francesco Carotenuto Angelo Giovagnoli - Loris Grossi Marilee Mortarotti - Ermete Quondampaolo Honor Members: Andrea Sitzia, President Antonella Matronola

The original intention of the founders of the International Chamber Ensemble Association was to create a uniquely exciting musical entity heretofore non-existent in Italy: the formation of an instrumental ensemble whose elasticity makes it possible to perform a much greater variety of the vast orchestral repertory combined with the successful convergence of the diverse artistic trainings and cultural backgrounds of Italian and non-Italian musicians. 

The original members of the Ensemble, who, in fact, represented as many as 10 different nationalities, applied their musical and cultural “melting pot” ideology to create a very significant step towards international brotherhood and collaboration. Hence the name International Chamber Ensemble.

Over the years, with the shift in immigration laws, the number of non-Italian musicians living and working in Italy has greatly reduced and consequently the membership of the Ensemble has subtly changed as well. The enthusiasm and fraternal spirit among the remaining members, however, has never waned and the International Chamber Ensemble continues, even if slightly less ‘international’, in the artistic endeavors to which it is dedicated, presenting to its audiences new and enjoyable musical experiences of the highest artistic quality.

In addition to its performance activities, the Association is actively involved in the formation and promotion of young musicians. With its annual “Stage for Young Orchestra Conductors”, aspiring conductors are given the opportunity to conduct the various formations of the Ensemble during a series of very intense master classes geared towards familiarizing young artists with that difficult and very unique instrument which is the Orchestra.   Also, the Association’s Memorial Concert “Giorgio Marconi”, programmed every year during the summer concert season presents to Rome audiences a young soloist chosen among the most promising of new musical talents.
 Finally, the International Chamber Ensemble’s collaboration with Opera Academy offers the unique opportunity each year to over 60 young singers from all over the world to make their Italian debut during the annual Festival OperaEstate.

Every year since 1983 the International Chamber Ensemble receives encouragement and financial support from the Italian government for its concert activities in Italy and since 1987, the same entity, recognizing the artistic and organizational qualities of the International Chamber Ensemble, has funded a good number of the Ensemble’s numerous international concert tours; support which has been amply reinforced by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and by the many Italian Cultural Institutes throughout the world who have presented the Ensemble’s concerts.  Throughout the years, the International Chamber Ensemble has received numerous contributions from both the regional as well as provincial governments for its various activities in throughout Italy and abroad.  Since 1997 the Office for Architectural Treasures in Rome, the Senate and the National Archives have added their vote of confidence, allowing the International Chamber Ensemble use of the monumental Courtyard of S. Ivo and actively collaborating in the presentation of its annual summer concert season.