Recognized as one of Chicago’s finest chamber music groups, THE ORION ENSEMBLE has been performing since 1992. John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune called Orion “one of Chicago’s most vibrant, versatile and distinctive ensembles.” With the possibilities inherent in its unique combination of instruments—piano, string trio and clarinet—Orion offers exciting interpretations of standard repertoire, introduces audiences to rarely performed masterpieces and inspires composers with commissions for new works. "One of the finest musical groups in Chicago. The members are all extraordinary musicians”. (Joseph Cuniff, Hyde Park Herald)

The Orion Ensemble boasts a roster of superb musicians who have performed throughout North America, Europe and Asia, as an ensemble and individually in solo, orchestral and other chamber music roles. In Chicago, Orion has presented a yearly 4 concert series for the past 33 years, and continues to be heard on the broadcast series “Live from WFMT.” Orion has been Artist in Residence at Roosevelt University and the OPUS Music camp, and was Resident Ensemble at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Orion programs diverse works ranging from Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms to William Bolcom, Chick Corea, Paul Schoenfield, Augusta Read Thomas and other living composers, offering audiences a remarkably broad chamber music experience. Orion’s expansive commitment to chamber music embraces the works of the classical through modern standard repertoire as well as an extensive range of new pieces for piano quartet and clarinet. Orion continues to inspire composers with commissions for new works written especially for its unique combination of instruments.