After 15 years of mixing the sounds and traditions of classical music with those of musical styles from around the world, the Apollo Chamber Players are opting this season for a different focus: as the main concert series’ label puts it, “Silenced Voices.”

Jake Heggie visited the Smithsonian Institution a few years ago for a performance of his Iconic Legacies, a song cycle evoking four U.S. first ladies.

Back in 2009, the music entrepreneurship movement was gathering steam and start-up ensembles were popping up everywhere.