The Chicago Contemporary of Composition is thrilled to announce that violinist Theo Ramsey will be joining the Grossman Ensemble beginning in the 2025-26 season.
Theo first performed with the ensemble during their March 2025 concert cycle, and they are excited to return as a full-time member: "The Grossman Ensemble is unlike any other group I’ve encountered. These imaginative, virtuosic artists are ever ready to try something new, and the group’s workshop/rehearsal model offers a unique chance to collaborate deeply with composers over time. I’m so excited to join the ensemble!"
Theo joins the Grossman Ensemble as they are set to surpass 100 world premieres and debut at the Library of Congress in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. Augusta Read Thomas, Director of the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, said, "Theo Ramsey is a magnificent musician and person. Theo’s virtuosity, collaborative spirit, and creativity unite directly with the radiant and invaluable contributions of the outstanding Grossman Ensemble members. Because, individually and collectively, the members play with brilliance, style, and soul, I am very excited for — and grateful to — the many composers commissioned by the ensemble."
About Theo Ramsey
Theo Ramsey enjoys a varied career as a chamber musician, orchestral violinist, and teacher. Their favorite musical activities include playing in a chamber orchestra, leading an ensemble as concertmaster, and listening to very quiet sounds.
Much of Theo’s career centers around premiering and recording new and experimental chamber music. Since 2018, they are a violinist and violist with Ensemble Dal Niente. They have performed as principal second violin on the Chicago Symphony’s MusicNOW series and as a guest musician with Alarm Will Sound and other new music ensembles around the US.
A sought-after orchestral player and chamber musician, Theo is a first violinist with the New Bedford Symphony and performs frequently around Boston with the Boston Lyric Opera, the Landmarks Orchestra, and other groups. They were featured as a soloist with the Chicago Sinfonietta and in recital on the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series. Theo appears on albums with Ensemble Dal Niente, the Knights, and violinist Gil Shaham.