EarlyMusicNews.Org

“L’Astrée was born in Turin in 1991 and specializes in early music instrumental repertoire with the use of original instruments.

The ensemble takes its name from a combination of François Couperin Le Grand  and that of the one of his trio sonatas called L'Astrée.”

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Tags: Fondazione Academia Montis Regalis Onlus

Added on: Apr 24, 2011 | Hits: 285

“Concerto Italiano began its activity in 1984 at Teatro Ghione in Rome with a concert performance of Francesco Cavalli's Calisto. In twenty five years of concert activity all over the world the ensemble was able to renew the approach of the performance of Italian Music, especially in the case of Monteverdi and Vivaldi, at times suggesting models of execution which have become paradigmatic. In the case Bach, the ensemble has garnered approval even from the most demanding traditionalist public. Today Concerto Italiano continues to pursue in its investigation of Italian musical culture an unceasing examination of a musical language which is evermore evidently and indissolubly linked to the cultural and linquistic values of 16th and 17th Italy.“

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Added on: Apr 24, 2011 | Hits: 343

“Founded in 2001 by tenor Benoit Haller, Chapelle Rhénane is a group of singers and instrumental soloists. The team is dedicated to the great works of European vocal repertoire. Its ambition is, through concerts and discs, to reveal the emotion, humanity and modernity of its music that could attract a broad contemporary audience.”

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Added on: Apr 24, 2011 | Hits: 257

“XVIII-21 Le Baroque Nomade is a Baroque music ensemble, its adventure sometimes leading it to contrast this repertoire of the 17 th and 18 th centuries with other types of music that crossed it, thanks to the globe-trotting musicians who travelled the world in an era when voyages led to hybrid cultures...

XVIII-21 aims at finding other kinds of music :  music that is exotic or different ; music that is listened to in other ways, by other kinds of people. This pursuit sometimes involves violence, restrictions or confrontation. But it also makes way for an encounter, a fundamental, liberating passion. …”

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Added on: May 25, 2011 | Hits: 216

“The instrumental ensemble Les Cornets Noirs have made their name in specializing in music of the Italian and German early Baroque.

The six musicians of different musical backgrounds met during their of study at the Schola Cantorum (Basel) …”

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Added on: Jun 03, 2011 | Hits: 273

“Welcome to the official Gravitación website. The quartet with guest performers are proud to present virtuosic programs of early music. Our focus is under-performed repertoire of the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods.“

Matthew Leese, baritone
Jay Carter, counter-tenor
Daniel Carberg, tenor
Sherezade Panthaki, soprano

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Added on: Jun 08, 2011 | Hits: 322

“Spiritus Ensemble is a vocal and instrumental ensemble based in Kitchener-Waterloo, dedicated to the performance of great religious music, especially the cantatas Johann Sebastian Bach.”

Note: this link leads to this group’s Facebook site and is only accessible is you have a Facebook account. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 15, 2011 | Hits: 323

“Habsburger Camerata is an eclectic period instrument ensemble bound together by a common enthusiasm for 17th Century music. Originally established to explore the musical legacy of the Habsburg Empire, we stand out in the field of historical performance by specializing in this diverse and colourful repertoire. Based on historic precedent, our particular combination of string and wind instruments is unique among contemporary period instrument groups and, as such, has been recognized as pioneering. This versatile instrumentation not only enables us to present a wide variety of programmes as a core ensemble, but also to perform larger scale works with the addition of other musicians. …”

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Added on: Jul 21, 2011 | Hits: 204

Anas Chen violin
Johannes Keller harpsichord

“L'Istante - irretrievable moment in a live performance. The moment when the musical language of a bygone era speaks to us today. The music of the Baroque period has a lot to say. But if we play as a musician today for a contemporary audience, it is despite all the knowledge of the former Performance Practice can never be an exact reconstruction. For us this is not the most important. The music is as vivid contrast to a recent, perhaps even strange world can speak to us. L'Istante maintains a close cooperation with the basso continuo ensemble Il Profondo.”

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Added on: Jul 21, 2011 | Hits: 199

“What is Profondo Il?

We are an eight-person basso continuo ensemble. As our name suggests, can we just play bass or bass instruments: cello, double bass, lute, theorbo, harpsichord, organ, etc.”

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Added on: Jul 21, 2011 | Hits: 234

“The chamber ensemble Nordic Affect was formed in 2005 to promote music of the 17th and 18th centuries and the performance of contemporary music. Its members are all specialists in historical performance and have appeared throughout Europe with various well-known ensembles. The musicians share a passion for viewing familiar musical forms from a different perspective as well as venturing into new terrain. Their performances in Iceland and on the Continent have ranged from the dance music of the 17th century to the exciting electronic compositions of today and have been received with great critical acclaim. Nordic Affect has performed for the Icelandic Broadcasting Service and the European Broadcasting Service. Their first CD, which consists of Apocrypha, a composition by Hugi Guðmundsson was nominated for an Icelandic Music Award and received the Kraumur Award.

The artistic director is Halla Steinunn Stefánsdóttir“

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Added on: Jul 21, 2011 | Hits: 482

“A Baroque ensemble of the new generation, Les Ombres was founded by Sylvain Sartre and Margaux Blanchard in 2006 with the aim of closely linking musicological research and 'historically informed' interpretation. In their quest to rediscover forgotten masterpieces of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, its members seek to unite the emblematic arts of the Baroque theatre, so that musicians, singers, dancers and actors become interpreters of one and the same score. These specificities make the ensemble a space for creativity and expression, a human and musical adventure. Inspired by music as an art in constant evolution, Les Ombres also give priority to the exploration of new horizons, ranging from the traditional patrimony to contemporary creations.

The nucleus of Les Ombres is formed by three musicians trained at the Schola Cantorum of Basel: Margaux Blanchard (viola da gamba), nadja Lesaulnier (harpsichord), and Sylvain Sartre (transverse flute). According to the needs of specific programmes, this trio is supplemented by violins, flutes, bas- soon, theorbo, and so on. Alongside the instrumental repertoire, the ensemble devotes an important place to vocal music and dramaturgy. It has therefore invited for this CD Mélodie Ruvio, a mezzo-soprano who came to the members' attention in the title role of Le Carnaval et la Folie conducted by Hervé niquet at the European Baroque Academy of Ambronay in 2007, and the actor and director Manuel Weber, a specialist in Baroque theatre, whom they met at the creation of a production devoted to the fables of La Fontaine. …“

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Added on: Jul 21, 2011 | Hits: 236

“Indianapolis Early Music (IEM), originally known by its current corporate name of Festival Music Society of Indiana, was established in 1966 as a not-for-profit organization to enrich, educate and entertain audiences with the music of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and early classic eras. IEM concerts feature high quality performers, performing on instruments of the period. IEM was the first organization of its kind formed in Indiana and only the second in the nation at the time of its organization. It is now the oldest continuous Early Music series in the United States. The festival occurs each June and July. …”

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Tags:“Indianapolis Early Music Festival”

Added on: Jul 30, 2011 | Hits: 199

“Austentation are the accomplished and versatile singer Gillie Tunley, and the well-established instrumentalist and singer Frank Underwood, who have combined forces to present musical performances from the Regency period, including material from Jane Austen's own collections at Chawton in Hampshire.”

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 224

“Emerald Baroque is a dynamic ensemble focusing on enchanting music inspired by Ireland. The group performs Celtic Baroque music led by Bridget Cunningham on the harpsichord with Laura Justice (recorders), Farran Scott (baroque violin), Jennifer Bullock (viol, baroque cello), Eleanor Harrison (baroque violin) and Breda McKinney (soprano) They have recently recorded 'Ireland's Enchantment', featuring early Irish tunes and new compositions and arrangements, in a modern approach performed on baroque instruments. Music includes folk songs, new pieces, harpsichord music, instrumental music as well as baroque music by composers such as O'Carolan and his contemporaries.

Emerald also commissions new works and are available for recording, film work, festivals, concerts and lecture recitals. Other programmes include 'Handel in Dublin' and previous concerts include Camden New Town Festival, Winchester Early Music Festival, Handel House Museum, Brighton Early Music Festival and the Workshops Series 2010.“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 241

“The Gonzaga Band was formed by cornettist Jamie Savan in 1997, in order to explore historical approaches to the performance of vocal and instrumental music of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Its line-up is flexible, with a small core of musicians that expands on occasion to include other leading vocal and period-instrument specialists according to the specific requirements of each programme.

The ensemble takes its name from the Gonzaga Dukes of Mantua, who were powerful and influential patrons of the arts in the late Renaissance period. The Gonzaga family employed Claudio Monteverdi as their maestro di cappella, and he presided over a musical establishment that was, for a time, the envy of the world. ...

Several members of The Gonzaga Band are active as teachers at universities and music colleges, and regularly give educational workshops for primary and secondary schools. Between 2000 and 2004, The Gonzaga Band worked for Yehudi Menuhin’s ‘Live Music Now’ scheme, delivering numerous concerts and workshops for children and adults with special needs. Since 2005, The Gonzaga Band has hosted the annual Newark International Early Music course for amateur and young professional wind players.

The Gonzaga Band's line up is flexible and varies depending on the requirements of each project.  …“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 213

“With so much to play, it’s hard to know where to begin.  But the truth is that we began ensembleF2 in the spring of 2009 with concerts up and down the country performing great works of Haydn and Mozart.  The focus of these performances was our two Wigmore Hall concerts in London.  Playing to delighted audiences ensembleF2 launched with large and small ensemble pieces from two giants of the music world.

We play music we love and want  to do that on the instruments which seem to suit the repertoire best.  It involves a lot of research, trying out, listening and reflecting but we think it’s worth it and makes our job so much more interesting.  Assembling and Ensembling with friends and deeply respected colleagues allows us to constantly learn from each other and we relish the journey ahead.

Our future programmes will present a groundbreaking approach to period performance using the research and knowledge gained in our individual fields and working to the highest musical standards in our power.“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 200

“The dynamic ensemble, Fleuri, formed in 2002 after graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, where they were the winners of the Century Fund Prize for Early Music. Specialising in repertoire of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they share a passion for the music of Handel's London and folk-inspired baroque music from around the British Isles and Eire. A distinctive feature of some of their performances is the wearing of sumptuous eighteenth century costume designed and made especially for the ensemble, adding to the visual spectacle and enriching the concert experience for audience and performers alike. …“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 216

“In the world of Lady Georgianna, lascivious libertines and immodest maidens sport in the enchanted groves attended by nymphs and celestial zephyrs…

Wearing the flamboyant fashions of the Georgian and Regency eras we perform popular hits from the time of Marie Antoinette and Mad King George.

With voice, harpsichord and cello, we aim to bring to life the songs of the 18th century pleasure garden, interspersed with poetry and readings, for an unforgettable Georgian experience.

Lady Georgianna also perform popular Victorian music-hall songs and carols in late 19th century costume.”

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 271

“VIA ARTIS KONSORT is an international ensemble with musical focus aimed at the undiscovered treasures from the late Medieval to early Classic period.

Via Artis Konsort explores the form and substance of the early music with a special emphasis on timeless concepts such as sonority, improvisation and pulse.

The ensemble is formed by skilled musicians from Scandinavia, Spain and Poland. The ensemble leans primarily on its own investigation. which centers on the ancient skills of improvisation and embellishment.

The ensemble was founded in 2004 and has offered more than 200 concerts since then. “

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Added on: Sep 24, 2011 | Hits: 162

“Retrospect Ensemble is London's exciting new period instrument orchestra and choir. Founded in 2009 the group has already undertaken major concert tours to the Far East, Middle East and Europe and performed at a number of prestigious UK festivals. Directed by Matthew Halls, one of the UK's most dynamic young conductors and acclaimed keyboard players, Retrospect Ensemble is taking its musicians and audiences on a new journey - exploring the repertoire of four centuries, embracing the practices, styles and aesthetics of former ages with renewed vigour and a fresh approach.

Retrospect Ensemble is a flexible group which performs as an orchestra, a choir, a chamber ensemble (including the Retrospect Trio, whose first recording was issued by Linn Records in May 2009) and other combinations. …”

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Added on: Sep 26, 2011 | Hits: 234

“Baroque Fever was formed by leading members of the new generation of early music specialists in 2000. The members represent four nationalities, now all based in Copenhagen.

Following an initial round of concerts in Denmark and Sweden, to universal critical acclaim in the national press, they have made numerous appearances (many with radio relay on Danmarks Radio and the EBU network) throughout Northern Europe.

The core formation is 2 violins and continuo, enabling Baroque Fever to focus on the extrovert, extravagant Italian music from around 1700, as well as its influences throughout the rest of Europe.

In addition to concerts at festivals such as the Holland Festival of Early Music Utrecht, York Festival in UK, Copenhagen Renaissance Music Festival, Båstad Festival and Vantaa Baroque, they collaborate with larger ensembles, such as Norwegian Baroque Orchestra, Arte dei Suonatori (Poland), I Fagiolini (uk) as well as other musicians.

They teach and give masterclasses, both individually and as an ensemble, at leading Nordic conservatories and summer schools.”

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Added on: Sep 26, 2011 | Hits: 237

“Jonny Sells
I founded Solomon's Knot back in 2008.  It started off as the Solomon Choir and Orchestra, and was later joined by the smaller-scale Solomon Consort.  Now we're fully flexible, and can perform in any configuration we want. My founding inspiration was to get away from all the tired old performances of this repertoire which even the performers bore themselves with.  Our vision is of a group of people who perform this wonderful music because they WANT to, and not for any other reason. When not working with Solomon I'm an opera singer based in Zürich.”

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Added on: Sep 26, 2011 | Hits: 258

“Folger Consort is recognized nationwide as a model chamber music ensemble, performing music from the twelfth through eighteenth centuries. Artistic Directors and Founding Members Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall form the core of the ensemble and are joined by internationally noted guest artists, both singers and instrumentalists. Folger Consort was voted Best Classical Chamber Ensemble at the 2009 and 2010 Washington Area Music Awards. …”

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Added on: Sep 29, 2011 | Hits: 157

“Founded in 2009 by François Joubert-Caillet, L’Achéron is constituted of a variable number of musicians, coming from all around the world, a young generation already performing with renowned ensembles and feeling the need to affirm their artistic personality in a more intimate context.
 
Focused on Renaissance, baroque and contemporary music, l’Achéron’s interpretation of ancient repertoire is an attempt to bring forth its fundamental characteristics, reinterpreting original works with the greatest respect, being as authentic but also as readable as possible for today’s audience. The marriage between musical research and the live interpretation feed the intellectual and sensorial curiosity of the audience.
 
L’Achéron is a laboratory for new ideas, concepts and artistic practices : improvisations as well as contemporary music are an integral part of what we hope will be the continually evolving approach of the ensemble.
 
In Greek mythology, the Acheron is the river of the Underworld on which Charon ferries the souls of the Dead to Hell, the very river Orpheus crosses to look for Eurydice. Nourished by this symbol, l’Acheron is willing to open up a way in between two apparently opposed worlds: the living and the dead, the past and present, ideal and reality.”

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Added on: Sep 30, 2011 | Hits: 219