EarlyMusicNews.Org

"ARS ANTIQUA AUSTRIA, director: Gunar Letzbor Ars Antiqua Austria was founded in Linz in 1995 with the aim of introducing audiences to the roots of specifically Austrian baroque music played on period-instruments. The music performed at the imperial court in Vienna at this period shows the strong influence of Italy and later of French forms, while Spanish court ceremonials also shape the character of the works. The typical Austrian sound of the period also betrays the influence of the many Crownlands. The political and social boundaries of Austria in the baroque era were far wider than in the 20th century. Elements of Slav and Hungarian folk music mingle with alpine sounds and can be heard in the art music of the period. The Austrian sound also reflects the temperament and character of the Austrians of that period - a unifying element in the melting-pot of many different cultures: the joie de vivre of the South, Slav melancholy, French formality, Spanish pomp and the Alpine character of the German-speaking regions. This fusion of court- with folk music and a strong element of dance music form the typical Austrian sound.

The core of Ars Antiqua Austria comprises 8 musicians directed by Gunar Letzbor. The ensemble is readily augmented to accommodate a still wider repertoire.. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 598

"Capella Leopoldina was founded in 1992 by Jörg Zwicker.

Following the musical tradition at the Viennese court during the reign of Leopold I. the ensemble includes a variety of musicians from Austria and the most important European music metropolises.

The work focuses on oratorio and orchestra literature of the 17th and 18th century. Furthermore, programs with chamber music instrumentation are part of their repertoire. Capella Leopoldina also plays in simple continuo instrumentation combined with one or several singers.

In January of 2000 Capella Leopoldina took over the instrumental part of the project BACH XXI. In co-operation with the Grazer Dommusik all cantatas by J. S. Bach will be brought to the stage. The timeline for this project is 18 years and it thus represents one of the major projects of Austrian music history. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 14, 2008 | Hits: 585

"The Clemencic Consort is an early-music ensemble comprised of international artists under the direction of René Clemencic. It performs in varying combinations of voices and instruments, depending on the programme.

Singers and instrumentalists from around the world have made it their task to interpret music from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period on historical instruments. They set great store on lively authenticity, but at the same time they consciously avoid "the wagging finger". The programmes are structured in such a way that they convey a colourful overall impression of the respective period. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 592

“The Ensemble Mikado’s present combination of soprano, viola da gamba/viella, and three recorders was formed in Vienna in the spring of 2003. Since then, the winners of the 2004 International Young Artists Presentation—Early Music (IYAP) in Antwerp have known how to enthuse both audiences and the musical press at national and international festivals. Numerous concert performances have led the ensemble to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Poland, Italy and Belgium, to the Vienna Recorder Days, the Hörgänge in the Vienna Konzerthaus, to the ISCM World Music Days, the early music festivals in Brežice and Radovljica in Slovenia, the Festival for Early Music in Bolzano, Italy, the Wratislavia Cantans Festival in Poland, the Laus Polyphoniae in Belgium, the Aqua Musica and Oude-Muziek-Network in the Netherlands, the Trigonale Festival in Carinthia, Austria and to the Tage Alter Musik in Regensburg, among others. In the selection of its repertoire, the ensemble focuses on both the music of the end of the Middle Ages (Ars nova and Ars subtilior) and that of the English Renaissance at the time of William Shakespeare. Unusual instrumentations and unconventional arrangements arise in the ensemble’s search for new ways of interpreting early music in a modern fashion. In February 2009 the CD "Can she excuse ?" was awarded the "Pasticcio-prize" by Ö1/ORF (Austrian Cultural Broadcasting Station).“

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Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 563

"The charismatic Palladian Ensemble is firmly established on the international music scene as a quartet of the highest calibre, presenting baroque chamber music infused with style, uninhibited virtuosity and intelligent musicianship. Over the past fifteen years the Ensemble has made numerous broadcasts and played hundreds of performances at prestigious venues across Britain, Europe, North and South America and still enjoys consistent popularity with audiences and critics worldwide. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 534

“Quadriga Consort – the Early Music Band on an expedition to the origins of pop music: early ballads and tunes from the British Isles, ranging from rollicking dance music to the Celtic-Gaelic and the courtly song traditions. The archaic melodies provide the basis for authentic music of today and tomorrow, so typical for Quadriga – with interpretations so fresh, that they make many a pop song of today pale in comparison to the enduringly moving ancient songs of love, yearning, joy and sorrow. ..“

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Added on: Jul 05, 2009 | Hits: 528

“In 1991, the Salzburg musician, Wolfgang Brunner, founded the ensemble Salzburger Hofmusik performing in various settings from trio to full orchestra. The repertoire encompasses works mainly from the 17th to the early 19th century concentrating on the music of the Royal Church Choir under the Salzburg Prince Bishops.

The name Salzburger Hofmusik comes from the 18th century and meant in the vernacular of those times, the Royal Church Choir of the Prince Bishops.
From the time of its founding, Salzburger Hofmusik programs were performed that established Salzburg's integration into the music history of Austrian and European cultural traditions.

Along with this came scholarly work, exploiting sources that until now had gone unnoticed or had been unjustly forgotten. In order to present performances that are as authentic as possible, the ensemble plays mainly (but not exclusively) on historical instruments or on faithful copies of originals. ..“ 

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Added on: May 17, 2009 | Hits: 481

“Andreas Helm
Shawm, vocals, yodeling. Born and raised in the area of Mostviertel in Niederösterreich, Andreas Helm received his musical education at the Brucknerkonservatorium Linz and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam , where he studied recorders and early oboes. He is the permanent oboist of the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra, the Wiener Akademie, Concilium Musicum Wien. ..

Albin Paulus
Bag pipes (Schaeferpfeife, Bock), jaws-harp, vocals, yodeling. Born and raised in Germany, Albin Paulus obtained a classical education in clarinet. ..

Simon Wascher
hurdy gurdy. Born and raised in Oberoesterreich in a family known for its folk music tradition, Simon Wascher studied hurdy gurdy with Valentin Clastrier, Gilles Chabenat, Matthias Loibner, and Riccardo Delfino. ..”

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Added on: Jul 07, 2010 | Hits: 365

"The broad spectrum and vitality of medieval and early Renaissance music are made accessable to a wider audience. Musicians from Austria, Italy and Germany specialized in playing historical instruments make up the core of this European ensemble. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 544

“With a desire to create a period instrument ensemble dedicated to the music of the Renaissance and Early Baroque, La Compañia was formed in 1997 by its artistic directors Danny Lucin and Mitchell Cross, who share a long collaborative partnership which commenced whilst studying improvisation at the Victorian College of the Arts.

La Compañia is a unique Australian ensemble, performing a rarely-heard repertoire on historically important instruments, to form a consort rich in possibilities. ..“ Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2009 | Hits: 509

“Since 1977, Adelaide Baroque has established a tradition of leadership in the field of authentic early music performance, revitalising known Baroque repertoire, and bringing to light freshly discovered works with a vivacity, integrity and spirit they so richly deserve. Adelaide Baroque is renowned for its uncompromising standard of excellence, and for the ongoing development of emerging professional musicians.“

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Added on: Jan 15, 2012 | Hits: 231

“ The Early Music Association of NSW (EMA) was founded in 1977.

Its members comprise professional and amateur musicians, instrument makers, teachers, students and concert-goers.

The EMA aims to promote interest in all forms of Western music composed before the nineteenth century through two primary means. It encourages the study and performance of early music using authentic instruments, principles and interpretation. It also promotes research into and the editing of early music.“

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Added on: Apr 18, 2009 | Hits: 458

"Ensemble Gombert is Melbourne's outstanding chamber choir, noted for its pure intonation and historic approach to choral sound and style. Named after Nicolas Gombert (c. 1495 - 1560), who has been largely ignored in the twentieth century despite an exemplary reputation amongst his contemporaries, the Ensemble specialises in a cappella performance of Franco-Flemish music of the High Renaissance. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 444

“Ironwood is an Australian-based ensemble, committed to exploring music of the baroque, classical and romantic periods on early string and keyboard instruments. The members are some of Australia’s most respected early and contemporary chamber musicians. The ensemble was established in 2006 as a flexible group of players, drawing on a wealth of experience from across the globe. Ironwood believe that historically informed performance should be complemented with new material and has an active commissioning program for music on early instruments. The group performs widely and has produced recordings for ABC Classics and Vexations840. Ironwood are 2007 - 2010 Artists in Residence at the Bundanon Trust, NSW, and also run a Developing Artist program in Victoria and NSW.”

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Added on: Mar 01, 2012 | Hits: 242

“La Compañia formed in 1997 to perform music of the renaissance and early baroque. Directed by Danny Lucin, the ensemble brings together Australia's leading specialists on period instruments, creating a consort rich in possibilities.

A line up of historically important instruments, including; cornetto, sackbuts, dulcian, shawm, viola da gamba, lute and percussion, allows for exciting sound combinations reflecting the various instrumental groupings of the period. The group follows the sixteenth century performance practice of ornamentation, diminution and embellishment. Their vibrant musicianship combined with their improvisatory skills has established La Compañia's reputation with both audiences and critics for presenting innovative programs and dynamic performances.

La Compañia's credits include concert performances, major Australian arts festivals, international feature films, television appearances, live radio broadcasts, Musica Viva CountryWide, CD recordings including El fuego on ABC Classics and their current subscription series at Melbourne Recital Centre.

Director Danny Lucin

Musicians
Danny Lucin:  cornetto & mute cornetto
Mitchell Cross:  shawm & tenor dulcian
Glenn Bardwell:  sackbut
Bob Collins:  sackbut
Julian Bain:  sackbut
Brock Imison:  alto and bass dulcian
Simon Rickard:  bass dulcian
Rachael Beesley:  baroque violin
Lizzie Pogson:  baroque violin
Victoria Watts:  viola da gamba
Laura Vaughan:  viola da gamba
Rosemary Hodgson:  vihuela, guitar, lute & theorbo
Linda Kent:  chamber organ & harpsichord
Christine Baker:  percussion
Denis Close:  percussion”

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Added on: Oct 10, 2011 | Hits: 247

“Latitude 37, named after the latitudinal position which links Melbourne, Australia, to New Zealand, is an exciting baroque trio whose members Julia Fredersdorff (baroque violin), Laura Vaughan (viola da gamba) and Donald Nicolson (harpsichord) were drawn together by their passion for historically informed performance of 16th, 17th and 18th century music.

Comprising some of the top graduates of the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, reunited after many years of extensive research and international experience playing with many of the finest ensembles and artists in Europe, America and Australasia, Latitude 37 represents a new generation of period instrumentalists who share a unified interest in cultivating and communicating their art.

Latitude 37 epitomises the intensity and intimacy of a trio: vitality, excitement and expression are a defining feature of their performance. Their spontaneity is inspired by a passion for the art of improvisation, communication, and the humanity of a genre of music intended to charm and enchant its audience.

After their sold-out Melbourne debut in June 2008,  the ensemble has become an active presence on the Australasian early music scene, with regular festival appearances, concerts at the Melbourne Recital Centre, tours for Chamber Music New Zealand and regular broadcasts on ABC Classic FM.   2011 saw the ensemble receive an ARIA nomination for their self-titled debut CD and return to New Zealand for a mainstage national tour for Chamber Music New Zealand.  2012 includes a 3-concert subscription series at the Melbourne Recital Centre as well as performances to accompany the Renaissance exhibition at the NGA, Canberra, and the Love and Devotion exhibition of Persian manuscripts at the Victorian State Library.”

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Added on: Mar 01, 2012 | Hits: 231

"Salut! baroque is one of Australia's most dynamic early music ensembles, bringing together Australia's finest baroque musicians in a chamber orchestra of up to twelve members. Formed in 1995 and led by artistic directors Sally Melhuish and Tim Blomfield, the ensemble performs annual subscription series concerts in Canberra and Sydney. Salut!'s international guest artists have included baroque violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and Dutch cellist Jaap ter Linden." See site for more info. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 03, 2008 | Hits: 563

“The Sydney Consort is one of Australia’s most energetic music ensembles devoted to early music of the 17th and 18th Century. Originally consisting of three members the group brings together Australia’s finest musicians and singers to a small chamber orchestra of up to fifteen performers. Formed in 1997 and led by artistic directors Monika and Stan Kornel, the Sydney Consort is an ensemble dedicated to bringing beauty and wisdom of Baroque music to a rapidly growing audience. The ensemble has performed music ranging from the 16th to 18th Century, as well as contemporary Australian music, and with concert themes such as English, French, German and Italian Baroque, Music and Poetry, and the Johann Sebastian Bach concertos.”

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Added on: Jan 15, 2012 | Hits: 248

"The Telemann Ensemble, based in Townsville, North Queensland, specialises in performing music of the baroque (with occasional excursions into earlier and slightly later music) with awareness of, and respect for, the instruments and performance traditions of the period. The ensemble was formed early in 1999 and has presented concerts and led workshops in Townsville, Atherton, Innisfail, Cairns and Brisbane.“

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Added on: Apr 18, 2009 | Hits: 383

"Formed in Sydney to explore and perform music composed for three female voices in the late renaissance and baroque periods, the group is named after Monteverdi's seductive and ambitious heroine Poppea (pronounced pop-pay-yah) from his opera "The Coronation Of Poppea". We believe the name encapsulates the essence of the group: performance of baroque repertoire, exploration of music by rarely performed composers, especially female composers, and our Australian origin, in playing on the expression "tall poppy syndrome". In researching our music, we learned of the "Singing Ladies of Ferrara" who were famous in the late 16th Century for their charm and virtuosic singing. As the first truly professional singers in an Italian court, they were trail blazers. Many composers of the time, of whom Luzzaschi was one, wrote music for these influential and talented singers. Whilst not quite the Andrews Sisters, the close knit harmonies and intertwining of the vocal lines makes for rapturous listening. Audiences have described our singing and the music we perform as 'luscious", "inspirational" and "music for the soul" and it is thrilling for us to continue its legacy into the 21st century. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 05, 2008 | Hits: 513

"Trio Grosso is an early music ensemble based in Perth, Western Australia. The group comprises up to nine members who enjoy playing for medieval fairs, banquets, weddings, parties, concerts and general good times.

The group was formed by an enthusiastic group of recorder players in late 1985 to provide appropriate music for a local play that had scenes set in the 1600s. The group's name derives from the fact that a much loved early addition to the repertoire was a recorder trio arrangement of the allegro from Handel's Concerto Grosso No. 1 in G which we usually had at least six people playing (thus a rather largish trio!).

The group's repertoire largely comprises medieval and renaissance songs and dances but also encompasses folk music from many cultures and a range of modern compositions. Although the nucleus of the group is a recorder consort ranging from great bass recorder up to the tiny garklein floetlein recorder, the group also performs with a range of wind, string and percussion instruments. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Nov 08, 2008 | Hits: 428

"The vocal and instrumental consort Capilla Flamenca takes its name from the choir of the court chapel of Emperor Charles V. When Charles left the Low Countries in 1517, he took his best musicians with him in order to accompany him as 'living polyphony' to Spain.

Today's Capilla Flamenca recruits its specialized musicians mainly from Flanders so as to bring to life again the unique timbre of this brilliant 15th-16th century music in its full authenticity. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 594

Early music ensemble. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 339

"De Camer van Musiecke ("the music chamber") performs renaissance music, mainly from 16th century Italy, France, Spain, England and the Low Countries.

They draw on compositions by (among others) Jacob van Eyck, Orlando di Lasso, Jacques Arcadelt, Nicolas Gombert, Thomas Crequillon, Giovanni Bassano, Cipriano de Rore, Giovanni Battista Riccio, Giovanni Paolo Cima, Girolamo Frescobaldi and, of course, the inevitable, but most versatile and unseizable anonymous." See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 490

"Ausonia is an ensemble of instrumentalists and singers, founded and directed by Frédérick Haas and Mira Glodeanu, committed to bringing to life the music of the 17th and 18th centuries by means of dedicated application of historical performance practices and a continuous searching for the expressive possibilities inherent in this music. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 532