EarlyMusicNews.Org

"Red Priest is one of the major success stories on the international Early Music scene today. Named after the flame-haired priest, Antonio Vivaldi, this extraordinary English ensemble has re-defined the art of baroque music performance, combining the fruits of extensive research with swashbuckling virtuosity, creative re-composition, heart-on-sleeve emotion and compelling stagecraft. The group performs largely from memory, allowing an operatic level of freedom and interaction, and its highly imaginative programmes are drawn from myriad baroque sources to create a kaleidoscopic range of moods and colours.

Formed in 1997, Red Priest now gives over 60 concerts a year in some of the most prestigious festivals and venues in Europe, Australia and the USA (see below), together with regular Radio and TV broadcasts (notably ITV's South Bank Show) and a series of highly acclaimed and brilliantly original CD recordings on the Dorian label - including their baroque-horror epic, Nightmare in Venice and a best-selling, post-modern take on Vivaldi's Four Seasons. In February 2005 the ensemble pushed the boundaries of baroque performance yet further with the launch of the Red Hot Baroque Show at London's Hackney Empire - a dramatic fusion of 18th century music with 21st century sound, light and video technology. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 665

" German viol player, Peter Wendland and English harpsichordist, David Roblou, are long-established international artists, known on CD through their work with leading early music ensembles: The Rose Consort of Viols and The New London Consort, as well as numerous individual solo appearances worldwide.

After 10 years' giving occasional concerts together, Peter and David have decided to create a new ensemble and are currently offering three innovative programmes: Bach, and two new mixed programmes demonstrating the extraordinary variety of the repertoire, as well as the versatility and imagination of the artists. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 274

"The Amphion Consort are named after the mythological player (Ovid, metamorphoses) who built the walls of Thebes moving the stones to fall in their places by the power and beauty of his playing. The ensemble was initially formed to explore the repertoire for baroque violin and continuo (theorbo), but is expanding to include some of the best players and singers on the scene to perform chamber music and large scale works.

our repertoire ranges from the 14th century Ars Subtilior; Elizabethan lute songs by Dowland and Danyel; French music for viol and theorbo by de Visee and Marais to English masques and operas such as Blow's Venus and Adonis, Purcell's Dido and Aneas and the Fairy Queen. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 410

"The Ciconia Ensemble is dedicated to the music of the late 14th/early 15th centuries, especially the so-called Ars Subtilior, that uniquely difficult and wonderful music that flourished briefly in France and northern Italy. The group consists of Anna Maria Friman (soprano), John Potter (tenor), Susanna Pell and Jacob Heringman (lutes & vielles) and made its debut in York in 2006. Programmes have included music by Ciconia himself, including rarely heard masses and motets, as well as troubadour songs and Minnelieder. The group performed an all-Machaut programme entitled La Parole et la Puissance: Guillaume de Machaut and the way to eternity in the 2007 Kultursommer Rheinland-Pfalz Festival A recording of highlights from the festival features several tracks from the Ciconia Ensemble; complimentary copies are available from Robert White Artist Management. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 295

"Apollo & Pan is a dynamic young group which explores the numerous hitherto neglected works for violin and bassoon from the 17th and 18th centuries, using both renaissance and baroque instruments. By expanding the group with one or two extra musicians, there are also opportunities to explore a wider repertoire, ranging from Vivaldi concertos to Bach cantatas.

In Greek mythology, Pan famously challenged Apollo to a musical contest: in the renaissance, Pan, often pictured holding a wind instrument, represented the wild and untamed, whereas Apollo, normally shown with a stringed instrument, stood for the sublime and refined. These contrasting qualities are united in the ensemble of violin and bassoon - with the development of mixed ensembles in the 17th century, this popular combination symbolised the contrast of the opposing forces of Apollo and Pan.

Tassilo Erhardt and Sally Holman met and formed Apollo & Pan while studying at The Royal Conservatory in The Hague. In England they were joined by the keyboard player Steven Devine, who was the winner of the inaugural Broadwood Harpsichord Competition in 1993. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 313

"Maria Sangers, Recorders; Dawn Johnston, Lute, Theorbo, Guitar

Aurora provides small scale music-making of a particularly intimate kind. Employing a wide range of recorders and plucked string instruments, the performers recreate the sound world of a renaissance chamber.

Aurora's programme style and content makes them particularly suitable for smaller, historic, or candlelit venues, and they have been heard to fine effect in various National Trust properties.

Aurora is also available to provide stylish and atmospheric music to enhance events such as weddings or receptions. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 449

"The Avison Ensemble are North East England's foremost exponents of 18th century music and standard bearers for Charles Avison, the hitherto little known but important English composer of the 18th Century.

Charles Avison (1709-1770) was a Newcastle-born composer, conductor and organist. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians calls him, "the most important English concerto composer of the 18th Century". Yet his work and that of other neglected British composers of the period was thoroughly overshadowed by the brilliance of George Frederick Handel, who was operating in London at the time.

omprised of some of Europe's leading musicians and soloists and in addition to playing other works from the baroque and early classical periods, the Avison Ensemble promotes chamber concerts and is furthering the revival of the once famous Newcastle Subscription Concerts, originally established and promoted by Charles Avison himself.

The Ensemble have chosen to perform on period instruments in order to recreate as closely as possible the distinctive 'sound world' that Charles Avison would have known. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 502

" The formation of the Etesian Ensemble in 1999 brought together five musicians committed to performing the great wealth of chamber music from the classical and romantic periods for fortepiano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon. Performances of this exciting repertoire are rarely heard on today's concert platform, therefore the Etesian Ensemble set out to bring their vibrant, explorative interpretation of such works to a wider audience.

In concert, the ensemble presents established classics such as the exquisite Mozart Quintet for Fortepiano and Winds, which Mozart himself described as it as “the best thing I have ever composed in my life”, alongside lesser known and recently discovered works that deserve the attention of today’s audience.

All five members of the ensemble are active in the period performance world, working with established orchestras such as The Academy of Ancient Music, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, Europa Galante, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, La Petite Bande, The Kings Consort and The Gabrieli Consort. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 311

"The Caecilia Concert is a versatile international ensemble specialising in performance and research of 17th century music for instruments and voices. The group was formed in 2001 by four young instrumentalists working at the forefront of authentic performance practice in Europe. Since then, the Caecilia-Concert has not only made a name for itself as a virtuosic, flexible, small-scale recital ensemble of the highest international level, but has on occassion, expanded to incorporate other instruments and singers performing rarely heard masterpieces from Italy, Germany, Austria and The Netherlands. This flexibility allows us to experiment with various mixed ensembles therefore making accessible newly found compositions and other pieces that would otherwise not be programmed due to mixed or more unusual instrumentation. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 347

"Concerto Caledonia is Scotland’s early music group, bringing to life the classical and traditional music of the nation’s history.

The group’s seven CD recordings include Robert Burns songs in their original versions, classical symphonies from Fife , early Scots fiddle music, and the unique sound of 18th-century Scottish-Italian crossover. Its contemporary recordings include music by Frank Zappa, Astor Piazzolla, Daniel Johnston and The Buzzcocks. The album Mungrel Stuff was a Sunday Times Record of the Year, and besides appearing regularly on BBC Radio 3, the group has also been broadcast on Radios 1, 2, and 4. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 376

"The Chris Norman Ensemble brings to life the energetic traditional dance music of Maritime Canada, Scotland, & Ireland with an emphasis on exploring points of contact with the music's roots in 16th-19th century Europe. The Ensemble's programs combine originality, intelligence, fun, and sheer mastery that have won them respect from audiences, presenters, and colleagues alike in North America, Europe and Asia.

At the heart of the group is Chris Norman, who's brilliant and imaginative flute playing has contributed to groups as diverse as the The Baltimore Consort, Skyedance, Helicon, Chatham Baroque, Concerto Caledonia, as well as Hollywood soundtracks and seven solo recordings. His influential work as a performer, composer, recording artist, educator, and director of the Boxwood Festival & Workshop has played a significant role in reviving the flute in traditional Scottish and Canadian music.

The Ensemble's extraordinary range runs the gamut from dynamic performances headlining international folk festivals to programs for some of North America's most prestigious chamber and early music societies and universities. With flutes, pipes, guitar, mandolin, mandola, harmonium, bass, percussion, drums & vocals, the Ensemble reaches across five centuries of traditional, renaissance and baroque music with a range of energetic programs. Education and public service is at the core of the group's values, and they regularly incorporate workshops, school programs, and community outreach into their tours. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 396

"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: 525

"The "Magdalena Consort" has been created to bring together singers and instrumentalists of talent and personality to explore a highly-committed approach to music-making. These will be historically-informed performances, using appropriate vocal and instrumental forces, responding creatively to stylistic constraints with special emphasis on text, narrative, drama and engagement from all. At the heart of the group's activities will be the vocal music of J.S. Bach, but we shall be performing a wide range of music, with a focus also on English and French music from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 343

"Founded by Michel Corboz in 1961, the Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne is made up of vocal and musical personalities who are perfectly in phase with its conductor's tastes and requirements. This flexibly sized ensemble consists of a core of young professionals which can be supplemented by other choral singers of a high standard, according to the nature of the work being performed. This characteristic enables the EVL to tackle an extremely wide repertoire that covers the history of music from the early Baroque (Monteverdi, Carissimi) to the twentieth century (Poulenc, Honegger etc.) and every possible combination from the small group of twelve singers to a full symphonic chorus.

The EVL's discography (around fifty recordings, produced by Erato, Cascavelle or Aria Music) has earned it a worldwide reputation. Some thirty of these records have won awards, among them the Mozart Requiem which received a 'Choc du Monde de la Musique' in 1999.

In the course of its forty-year history, the EVL has visited a large number of countries (South Africa, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Germany, Poland, Japan, the Netherlands, Israel, France, Italy, Argentina, Greece, Tunisia, Portugal, the UK), to enthusiastic public acclaim. In recent seasons, it has made successful appearances at such festivals as Rheingau, La Chaise-Dieu, Noirlac, and Lessay, and at 'La Folle Journée' in Nantes, Lisbon, Bilbao and Tokyo. In 2003, 2005 and 2006, it returned to Japan for concert tours that ended each time on the legendary stage of Suntory Hall in Tokyo. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 396

"Baroque Encounter is a dynamic early music ensemble presenting baroque repertoire in elaborate period costumes in performances ranging from semi-staged concerts to full productions. Along with more popular baroque works, Baroque Encounter offers audiences the opportunity to experience the splendours of under-valued baroque gems.

Our performances aim to give the audience a truly baroque experience. We combine vibrant young talent with established exponents of baroque performance, perform with period instruments, work with baroque costume specialists and prepare with baroque directors/choreographers. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 354

"The Binchois Consort was founded in 1995 to perform Dufay’s Mass for St Anthony of Padua as part of a liturgical Mass for the Saint’s feast day. Its recording of that Mass (CDA66854) was released by Hyperion in 1996 to an enthusiastic critical reception. All its subsequent discs have received similarly stunning reviews. The second, ‘Music for St James the Greater by Guillaume Dufay’, received numerous awards, including ‘Recording of the Month’ and ‘Early Music Recording of the Year’ in ‘Gramophone’ magazine and a 'Diapason d’or.’ The group’s fourth disc, ‘Josquin Des Prez and his Contemporaries,’ was voted runner-up to the ‘Early Music Recording of the Year’ for 2002 by ‘Gramophone;’ and its next release, of Masses and motets by Busnois, Domarto and Pullois, was shortlisted for the same award and received the coveted 'G5' of 'Goldberg' magazine and 'Five stars' in 'BBC Music' magazine. Recording no. 6, of a Mass, Puisque je vis, thought to be by Dufay, along with motets by Dufay, Compère and others, was named 'Diapason decouverte' by 'Diapason'', and received various other music industry accolades. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 390

"Sarasa is a collective group of international instrumentalists and vocalists who perform classical music of outstanding quality, and bring this music to diverse communities. Through the ensemble's outreach program in adolescent detention facilities, it is dedicated to bridging cultural, aesthetic, and economic barriers and providing incarcerated teenagers with opportunities for growth and enrichment through music.

Sarasa was formed in response to a concert played by its founder, Timothy Merton, in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 1997, at the urging of a friend who was a prison volunteer. An inmate who heard that first concert remarked, "When art is well executed, it projects a message that transcends language, culture, and even aesthetic boundaries." Sarasa took these words to heart and since then has been bringing high-quality music to those who ordinarily have little access to it. In addition to its public concerts, the ensemble plays in adult and adolescent correctional facilities, homes for the elderly, mental hospitals, and institutions for the disabled. Sarasa also does three-week residencies in grade schools, using drawing and writing to bring children to a meaningful understanding of classical music.

The name Sarasa is derived from a combination of Saraswathi, the Hindu goddess of art and culture, and the poetic sanscrit word rasa denoting the essence of sound " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 370

"TRIO GOYA play Classical chamber music on period instruments. Formed out of a collective fascination with the new colours and narratives that these instruments suggest, the group concentrates its repertoire on the trios by Haydn and Mozart and the Beethoven opus 1 set. A fortepiano by Paul McNulty after Anton Walter, Vienna 1795 is the centrepiece of this music and a later instrument can be supplied for Beethoven from opus 70 (including the "Archduke Trio") and Schubert. Programmes can also include the three fine trios by Mozart's friend, the English stage composer Stephen Storace, Mozart's two dramatic fortepiano quartets and solo works for each of the three instruments by the aforementioned composers as well as their lesser known contemporaries. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 238

"Concert Royal recreates the elegant sound worlds of the baroque and classical eras through historically informed performance. For over thirty years the ensemble has delighted audiences with enthusiastic and informative presentations.

Concert Royal has toured in Europe, the USA and for the British Council in South America and has given concerts in every corner of the UK, performing for festivals, music and arts societies, theatres, churches, schools, arts centres and in country houses.

Concert Royal's 2006 - 7 schedule included concerts for the Bideford, Hoylake, Totnes and Matlock music societies and festival appearances in Howden and Leicester. The ensemble entertained in Appleby Castle and in the splendid Georgian setting of Sledmere Hall near York.

Concert Royal is actively involved in education initiatives, visiting more than 50 schools in 2006. Young people participate in informative and entertaining workshops, learning about their musical heritage through singing, playing, composing and dancing. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 340

"Concordia plays the magical English music of the golden age and a wide range of renaissance and baroque repertoire from Italy, Spain, Germany and France. Concordia often works with guest artists on other instruments and, above all, the human voice, regular collaborators including countertenors Robin Blaze and James Bowman, tenor James Gilchrist, baritone Peter Harvey and soprano Rachel Elliott. Perhaps because of the breadth and appeal of its stimulating programming, which also includes new commissions, contemporary dance and poetry, Concordia is now one of the most active British chamber groups, appearing at the Wigmore Hall, festivals throughout the country and major venues across Europe.

The regular members of Concordia are Mark Levy, Joanna Levine, Emilia Benjamin, Reiko Ichise, Alison McGillivray and Markus Tapio viols, Elizabeth Kenny lute and Gary Cooper organ & harpsichord. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 383

"Born in Sardinia, Paola Erdas was awarded her diploma in harpsichord at the Conservatory of Venice in 1991. From 1992 to 1996, thanks to a five-year scholarship, she studied under Kenneth Gilbert at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Since 1996 she has been a member of the ensemble L'Apothéose, recording for the Stradivarius label. In the same year, together with recorder virtuoso Lorenzo Cavasanti, she founded the JANAS ensemble. The group, which collaborates with the theatre and historical dance specialist Deda Colonna, soon became multi-instrumental, with the sound of the harpsichord augmented by voice,winds,strings and percussion , in performances combining poetry, dance and music of the late Renaissance and Baroque periods in the Mediterranean area. ...

She is presently working on a critical edition of the "Pièces de Clavessin" by N. A. Lebègue, the first volume of which has been already been published by Ut Orpheus Edizioni and recently recorded by her on the Stradivarius label.

Paola Erdas teaches thorough-bass at the Conservatory of Trieste. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 13, 2008 | Hits: 306

Early Music Ensemble from Italy. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 13, 2008 | Hits: 373

"Chalemie is a group of musicians, dancers and actors whose aim is to explore the theatrical side of early music - from the dance and pantomime of eighteenth century London to the court spectaculars of earlier centuries.

Chalemie is motivated by a belief in total theatre; the combining of different performance arts to create new dramatic forms. Its own particular focus is on early music, dance and commedia dell'arte. With these as its primary materials it seeks to create a style of theatre that is close to the popular stage of the early 18th century. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 13, 2008 | Hits: 341

"We devise and perform historical music, dance and spectacle for all occasions, specialising in the Elizabethan and Jacobean masque. We can provide anything from a small group of musicians to a stage full of lavishly costumed dancers and actors, and take pride in creating an event which is tailored to your needs. We also have a wealth of experience in the fields of heritage and education, creating unforgettable performances and workshops based on detailed historical research, and taking 'living history' into schools. We enjoy sharing our passion for history with the public. Our musicians tour regularly, and have recorded two cds, Gallimaufry, and the new release Christmas Music in Shakespeare's England. These are available in our shop, where you can also listen to clips. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 15, 2008 | Hits: 328

"Courtlye Musick is a group of three versatile musicians who specialise in the authentic presentation of Renaissance and Medieval music.

During 2001 Courtlye Musick was restructured as a trio. Anita and Martin Felton and Anne Gray are all part of the former four part ensemble and since 1984 have performed at concerts, workshops, festivals, receptions, historic events, weddings, civic occasions, banquets and many diverse functions far and wide. Performances have been broadcast on radio and television. The repertoire includes music from all over renaissance Europe and the huge collection of authentic instruments continues to grow.

In performance, the ensemble is surrounded by a fascinating display of instruments which includes Renaissance woodwind, (crumhorns, rauschpfeifen, shawms, racketts, curtal and recorders); strings, (viols, rebec, lute and harp); brass, (sackbuts, cornetti, and lysarden), and others such as gemshorns, bells, pipe and tabour. The clear voices of the consort are a feature of every performance. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 395