Ensemble Monterey was founded in 1992 as a consortium of professional musicians in the greater Monterey Bay area. Since its inception, Ensemble Monterey's goal has been to bring to life the master works of chamber literature that are rarely performed, specializing in works for both larger and smaller chamber orchestras. Such works are not often presented by chamber music groups, because the number of players required is too large or too small. Since its first concert in 1992, Ensemble Monterey has enjoyed gratifying critical response. One critic wrote of Ensemble Monterey's recent performance of Composer-in-Residence Stephen Tosh's Covenant of Light, "We are very lucky on the Central Coast to be able to enjoy the collaborative excellence and professional talent of Ensemble Monterey."