Mélomanie, the five-piece chamber ensemble known for provocative pairings of early and contemporary works, celebrates its 21st anniversary with the release of their new CD "Excursions".  The recording features pieces written for and premiered by Mélomanie: Excursions: Fantasie Mélomanie (2009) by Roberto Pace; Pavane-Variations (2009) by Ingrid Arauco; Dumgoyne (2012) by Jennifer Margaret Barker;  Angico (2009) by Sergio Roberto de Oliveira; and The Nobility of Women (2011) by Kile Smith. They are joined by guest artists Eve Friedman  on flute for the title track, and by Priscilla Herreid on oboe in The Nobility of Women. Reighley and Richardson perform Dumgoyne as a duet.

"We chose the title Excursions because the five pieces written for Mélomanie take the listener on different kinds of journeys," says Co-Artistic Director Tracy Richardson. "For example, Jennifer's Dumgoyne takes us to her childhood memories of Scotland. Roberto Pace's Excursions explores multiple moods and musical terrain. Ingrid's Pavane-Variations and Kile's The Nobility of Women give us a fresh visit to old dance forms. And Sergio's Angico tells the story of his family's home in the Brazilian countryside."

Co-Artistic Director Kimberly Reighley agrees. "Each piece has its own flavor and musical language," she notes. "Two pieces are written to be played by Baroque instruments, and three for modern instruments - exhibiting yet another Mélomanie 'provocative pairing.'"

Mélomanie's ensemble includes Kimberly Reighley on flute, Christof Richter on violin, Donna Fournier on viola da gamba, Douglas McNames on cello, and Tracy Richardson on harpsichord.

In November 2014, the Mélomanie tour will reach Rio Brazil, where they have been invited to perform at the three-day Compositores de Hoje, or Composers of Today. This international festival of contemporary music

For complete ensemble information, please visit www.melomanie.org.