The performances were lively and polished, as performances by touring ensembles representing chamber music festivals almost invariably are.

DURING THE 1970'S AND 80's, hundreds of touring ensembles like the ones Mr. Gingrich represents sprang up and crisscrossed the nation, delighting audiences in every town or hamlet that could pay their bus fare.

In 1969, the leadership of the Chamber Music Society passed from Karl Haas to Dr. Zalman "Tiny" Konikow; from this point forward, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit invited touring artists and ensembles from around the globe to perform on its series.

A spinoff from Rudolf Serkin's Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, it combines a sprinkling of veteran instrumentalists with younger players to form touring ensembles, which in New York play at both Alice Tully Hall and the Metropolitan Museum.

A Distinctive Sound Originating in Russia St. Petersburg Philharmonic Carnegie Hall Since the fall of Communism, the Russian musical world has often seemed like a free-for-all to Western concertgoers faced with a stream of touring ensembles.

"Our purpose is to support touring groups and small ensembles that otherwise can't afford an orchestra."

Touring ensembles and superstar soloists, who dominate concert halls in February and March, return home with their Brahms symphonies and Tchaikovsky concertos, allowing non-dead composers to poke their heads into the bigger halls.

We seem to be awash these days in touring Russian ballet ensembles.

And while the center's administration dreams of presenting a range of touring ensembles, it lacks the experience necessary to pull it off.

A firebrand classical performer who previously danced with the New York City Ballet, Mr. Stiefel is one of many ballet stars who lead established companies, touring ensembles and other dance institutions while continuing to dance with their home companies.