“The Next Generation: Traditions and Trends,” Chamber Music America‘s 33rd Conference, takes place January 13-16 at the Westin New York in Times Square. Focusing on innovation, heritage, synergy, and change, this year’s conference “celebrates the dialogue between chamber music’s seasoned professionals and the newest generation–bringing fresh perspectives to our community while sustaining our greatest traditions.”

Conceived and moderated by Peter McDowell, the panel discussion “A New Generation of Genre-busting Ensembles” will take place on Saturday January 15th at 9am. This session is focused on classically trained musicians who break out of standard molds to create new types of genre-busting ensembles. Attendees will hear the stories of Geremy Schulick and Brett Parnell, two young classical guitarists who together form the unique and energetic Threefifty Duo (who will also perform) and also hear from Katie Scheele of Threeds, a New York City based oboe trio that has been featured at several downtown NYC music venues including Joe’s Pub, the Living Room, the Rockwood Music Hall and Pete’s Candy Store. Steven Swartz, founder of dotdotdotmusic, and Charles Letourneau (manager of Time for Three) of IMG Artists will round out the panel.

Questions will be asked such as: how do young classical musicians draw on their classical training to create something new, hip, and ultimately marketable to the “indie” crowd while staying true to their roots and integrity? What are some further examples of these new ensembles and how are audiences reacting? Can these artists present advantages to presenters by bringing audiences into classical music in a new an different way? What kind of venues work most ideally for these groups?

Later that day, Steve Hudson will present his own genre-busting Chamber Ensemble as part of the official CMA Showcases. Hudson recently released his CD Galactic Diamonds, drawing praise such as “venturesome yet affable jazz at its best” (Aural States).