EarlyMusicNews.Org

"Founded by Francis Colpron in 1991, Les Boréades de Montréal focuses on early music. The ensemble has chosen an interpretative approach in keeping with the spirit of the Baroque era, by adhering to the rules of performance practice of the past and playing on period instruments. Critics and audiences alike in Canada and abroad have been unanimous in hailing the group’s energy and spontaneity as well as its theatrical, expressive and elegant playing, indicative of a unique flair for Baroque aesthetics. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 432

“RENAISSONICS music lives in the robust performances of Renaissonics. Simultaneously historical and contemporary in its approach, the group plays as musicians of the era played --vigorously and improvisationally. Renaissonics' stylish performances allow audiences to experience the elegance and excitement of Renaissance music as it was intended to be heard. Music of the past is suddenly music of today. Virtuoso solos, chamber music, dance music and dazzling improvisations combine in a program that joyously bridges the gap between the artistic and pop. Renaissonics is a unique blend of members, all of whom are internationally recognized soloists, dance musicians, and improvisors. Their playing vibrantly blends this extensive expertise into performances that are continually original. Renaissonics is the resident ensemble for the Historical Dance Foundation's annual International Early Dance Institute.

RENAISSONICS is acknowledged as a leading ensemble of Renaissance Chamber Music, Dance Music, and Improvisation. They have appeared at the Festival Cenomanies in Le Mans, France; Musique en Catalogne Romaine, Perpignan, France; and may be heard on Ken Burn's PBS Documentary "The West". They were a featured ensemble for the Christmas Revels where they performed for a public of over 15,000 and for Early Music America's Star Spangled Season. Other appearances include the Boston Early Music Festival, the Cambridge Society for Early Music's International Candlelight Concerts, the Castle Hill Pop Music Series, the Indianapolis Early Music Festival, the New England Conservatory of Music's Improvisation Festival, Plimouth Plantation, and at Boston's First Night Celebration. RENAISSONICS is the resident ensemble of the Killington Vermont Shakespeare Festival.  ..“

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Added on: May 03, 2010 | Hits: 432

"Mercurius is a young and innovative group which specialises in the performance and research of the Early Music, embracing in its repertoire works from the Baroque and Classical periods. Its young members had first met at the Royal Academy of Music while postgraduate students and develop intense solo careers along with their chamber and orchestral work.

The group gathers young musicians, recently graduated in some of the leading schools in Britain, representing thus a suitable environment for the continuing development of their artistic abilities. Mercurius functions as a co-operative where musicians, singers and dancers have a unique opportunity to work closely and exchange views and experiences, creating an exciting and rich melting pot for artistic production. The experience of reuniting art forms as they were conceived in the Baroque period, when instrumental & vocal music and dance could not be dissociated, is largely supported. Similarly, we base our research on the Expression of Passions and the comprehension of rhetorical speech and its importance in that period. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 07, 2008 | Hits: 434

"De Organographia performs the music of Ancient Greece on a myriad of faithful reproductions of period instruments. Their concerts are informative and entertaining presentations using period text and song to bring to life the musical art of the distant past. The ancient Greek repertoire of De Organographia is brought alive in an improvisatory style based on precepts preserved in the writings of antiquity.

De Organographia performs on a collection of instruments of their own making: aulos (double reed pipe), lyra (Lyre), kithara (the ornate lyre of the professional musician), syrinx (panpipes), syrinx monokalamos (vertical flute), trichordon (small 3 stringed lute), psythirã (rattle), tympanon (drum), kymbala (cymbals), and salpinx (trumpet). " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 04, 2009 | Hits: 435

"Based in Montreal, Ensemble Caprice, under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute and Sophie Larivière, is renowned for its innovative interpretations of baroque music. Originally formed in Germany in 1986, the ensemble continues to give concerts in Europe and has appeared at the Vlaanderen Festival in Bruges, Belgium, the Netwerk-Reihe of the Organisatie voor Oude Muziek in The Netherlands, the International Recorder Symposium in Stuttgart, the Recorder Festival in Stockstadt, and the Ancient Music Rencontres in Heidelberg. During 2005, the ensemble made its U.S. debut at the Boston Early Music Festival concert series and recently completed a successful tour of the West Coast and New England. The ensemble will tour Israel in the Fall of 2006 and plans are underway for a visit to Japan in 2007. Closer to home in Canada, the ensemble has its own concert series at Redpath Hall in Montreal and was recently nominated for the Conseil Québécois de la Musique's prestigious Prix Opus award in three different categories, including best early music concert and CD. A new recording featuring the music of Fux, Caldera and Badia will be released on the ATMA Classique label during 2006. " Visit website for more information. (ed)

Added on: Mar 23, 2008 | Hits: 436

"Artistic Director , Julie Harris, returned to Calgary in 1999. Her experience as a performer (soprano) and connections to other performers across the country gave her the idea of starting a new series in her native city. Now entering its seventh season, the Early Music Voices Concert Society offers a varied and interesting line-up of performers who specialize in early music repertoire. Each year the series aims to present touring early music groups, while also being committed to presenting local and regional performers, and creating joint projects with visiting artists. In essence the series is dedicated to presenting music from Bach's time and before in a stylish, historically informed way. ..."

Added on: Aug 06, 2007 | Hits: 437

"The Early Music Studio of Saint John is a new venture providing local musicians - both amateur and professional - with educational and performance programs about the music of the 16th to 18th centuries, the period of the first exploration and settlement of our region from the first voyage of Jacques Cartier in 1534 to the arrival of the Loyalists in 1783. The Early Music Studio seeks through its performances to offer the community the opportunity to experience the "soundtrack" of our early history. The adventurous spirit and energy of the early explorers and settlers is reflected in this lively, colourful music, as the composers of the time charted new realms of musical expression to create works which still have the power to entertain and move us today.

In keeping with the historical focus of the music, the Early Music Studio takes the stage in a number of Saint John's landmark heritage buildings. These dramatic performance spaces provide a fitting, historic backdrop for the performances of the Early Music Studio. " ...

Added on: Aug 17, 2007 | Hits: 438

"The Gabrieli Consort & Players were founded by Paul McCreesh in 1982 and have just celebrated their 25th anniversary season. Initially recognised for their mould-breaking reconstructions of music for historical occasions, they have gone on to captivate audiences worldwide with their bold readings of the masterworks of the baroque and renaissance. They are regularly heard at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and the USA. In partnership with Martin Randall Music Management, they have pioneered new areas of 'cultural tourism' in creating festivals of music in historic centres, including Venice, Rome, Naples, Leipzig, and northern Spain. September 2007 saw the ensemble's largest residency to date as part of the Wratislavia Cantans Festival in Wrocław, Poland, where Paul McCreesh became Artistic Director in 2006. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 438

"Parthenia is a dynamic quartet of viols dedicated to performing the rich and abundant repertoire for viola da gamba from the 16th to 21st centuries. We present an annual series of concerts in Manhattan, where we collaborate with esteemed guest artists in engaging and surprising programs; we commission and premier new works for viols; we work to increase awareness of the viol's cultural heritage by touring to historical venues throughout New York City and to prestigious venues around the country. Parthenia is committed to creating more consort-playing opportunities, both professional and amateur, throughout America."

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Added on: Aug 05, 2008 | Hits: 438

"Musica Donum Dei is based in Nottinghamshire, but performs throughout the Midlands and over an increasingly wide area beyond.

We perform music from Monteverdi to Mozart, and are known for our unusual and accessible programmes. We often use readings, dramatisations and visual images alongside the music to evoke the spirit of the age in lively and imaginative ways.

Members of the ensemble are involved in historical research to revive neglected works, and we are also active in commissioning new ones; we held our first composers' competition in Spring 2006. As well as chamber groups of five to eight players, we can also provide a full-sized baroque or classical orchestra for choral works such as the Monteverdi Vespers, Bach St Matthew Passion or Mozart Requiem.

The ensemble varies in size according to the programme:
* A chamber ensemble of five or six performers
* A trio (flute/recorder or violin, cello or viola da gamba and harpsichord)
* A chamber orchestra with a chamber choir of hand-picked singers for mixed choral and orchestral programmes
* A full-sized baroque or classical orchestra to join your choir in works such as Messiah, or Bach's Mass in B Minor (for more details on MDD's work with choirs "


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Added on: May 04, 2008 | Hits: 439

"With their historical instruments, the Grenser Trio and friends explore late-classical and early-romantic chamber music as it sounded to its first audiences. Present-day audiences hear the Trio at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and SUNY Stony Brook as well as in New York City's Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Interchurch Center. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 439

"Acclaimed by the New York Times for its "vital performances" and "robust" playing, Repast is a collaboration of three period-instrument virtuosi presenting vivid renditions of music of the baroque era. Repast members Keri Mikkelson (harpsichord), Amelia Roosevelt (violin), and John Mark Rozendaal (violoncello and viola da gamba), each have active careers in historical performance and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the trio's programs. Repast enjoys frequent and fruitful collaborations with leading period instrument players and vocalists in order to explore the vast, masterful repertoire of the baroque era. The group's name, meaning a meal or a feast, is a double-entendre: out of the revival of past music comes a delectable, spiritually nourishing experience. ...

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 439

“Has in recent years become one of the most popular ensembles in the music of the 16th and 17 Century and is now a regular guest of the most important European Festivals of Early Music. ..“

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Added on: May 09, 2009 | Hits: 439

“RICERCAR CONSORT – PHILIPPE PIERLOT

« Aux paroles exprimées dans le chant, la musique apporte son pouvoir sur les passions humaines, sa vertu purificatrice et sa transcendance » (Cantagrel)

In 1985, the Ricercar Consort made their first tour with  J.S. Bach’s« Musicalisches Opfer », and is rapidly internationally known  for it’s interpretation of cantatas and instrumental music of the German Baroque ; numerous concerts are given with famous artists like Henri Ledroit, Max van Egmond and James Bowman.
  
For the last few years,Philippe Pierlot has been directing the ensemble, alterning chamber music and orchestral productions ,where eventually the viola da gamba has an important place.

Their recordings encounter enthousiastic reactions both by the public or international press : “De Aeternitate” with the counter-tenor Carlos Mena received the “Diapason of the Year 2002” award and started a fructuous collaboration between Ricercar Consort and the label Mirare directed by René Martin in France. Fantazias for the viols, Stabat Mater by Vivaldi  and Pergolesi, or  “Valoroso”, italian chamber music by Bertali, Bach cantatas recordings,  and recently Bach’s Magnificat  (Gramophones’ Editor Choice): with never ending passion the ensemble brings these works to the audiences of  the most important ancient music festivals of the world with extreme professionalism.

“Vielleicht wird so ja im Himmel musiziert...der Vorschein einer besseren Welt“
Die Zeit 2009“

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Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 441

“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: 443

"The ensemble Ars Cantus was established in the year 2000 as a vocal group associated with the Wroclaw Chamber Choir (Wroclawscy Kameralisci), under the artistic direction of Tomasz Dobrzanski.

Ars Cantus performs the music of bygone epochs, from the Middle Ages (songs from the medieval Carmina Burana manuscript) to the early Baroque (e.g. Salomone Rossi - Court and Synagogue Music). An essential part of the repertoire of Ars Cantus is the musical heritage of Lower Silesia, which reaches back to the 14th century and which, in many cases, is now being made available to listeners for the first time in centuries (Banquet at City Hall - works from Wroclaw and Silesia musical prints of the 16th and 17th centuries - and Serena mente jubilo - works from 14th and 15th century manuscripts from Wroclaw, Zagan and Zielona Gora). " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 446

"Ensemble Claude-Gervaise is a group of musicians who specialise in the interpretation of early music as well as early music instruments. " (transl. ed.) See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 446

"Founder and artistic director, Lisette Kielson, presents L’Ensemble Portique as a rare ensemble in today’s chamber music genre. Its conception emerged from Lisette’s passion for playing Baroque and contemporary music on the recorder and flute. Its name was inspired by the sculpture “Portique” designed and crafted by her grandmother, internationally renowned artist Madeleine Stanley-Jossem. Two forms of steel interlaced with silver stand boldly apart, creating an opening, a gateway, yet both are connected to the solid base that supports and unites them. “Portique” is the visual representation of L’Ensemble Portique’s mission to explore the independence and interdependence of the distinct and separate musical worlds of early and contemporary music. Lisette’s vision of integrating the two provides the guiding force behind this unique ensemble. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 23, 2008 | Hits: 447

"La Suave Melodia was formed in 1998 to investigate more fully the trio sonatas of Dietrich Buxtehude and the Pieces de Clavecin of Jean-Philippe Rameau. They met with immediate success as prize-winners in the 1998 Van Wassenaer Concour for Early Music and have formed a unity of spirit and style that inspires and exhilarates audiences, bringing passion and a remarkable artistry to its performances.

La Suave Melodia brings together leading specialists in Early Music from the Netherlands; Rachael Beesley baroque violin, Cassandra Luckhardt viola da gamba & baroque cello, Regina Albanez theorbo & baroque guitar and Pieter Dirksen harpsichord & organ. Individually, the international musicians, from four different continents, are active performers and teachers in the early music arena and are dedicated to enriching the cultural and musical scene throughout the world as soloists in their own right. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 447

“Literally translated Il Concerto Barocco means "the baroque concert". This name was chosen as it bests describes what this ensemble is about. Il Concerto Barocco is an ensemble accommodating a wide range of instrumentations ranging from the trio to the full baroque orchestra. The basic principle of the ensemble's performances is that the music played is best served by the instrumentation and performance practices developed and used in the period that the music was conceived.

Founded in 2001 Il Concerto Barocco has become an established link in the Netherlands music scene. Il Concerto Barocco presents a number of concert series per year with concerts performed in their home concert venue, The Waterstaatskerk in Hengelo (The Netherlands) and various other venues throughout the Netherlands and Germany. “

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Added on: Apr 27, 2009 | Hits: 447

“ 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: 451

"The Baroque ensemble Les grâces formed in the spring of 2008 in order to explore seventeenth- and eighteenth-century music. The ensemble’s performances are equally inspired by the four young performers’ passionate musicianship, as well as their collective study of historical performance practices at leading conservatories in Europe and the US. The name Les grâces stems from a long literary and artistic tradition. The number of graces varies in different depictions, but there were usually three. Daughters of Zeus and Hera, they were representations of brightness (Aglaia), joyfulness (Euphrosyne), and bloom (Thalia). Seventeenth- and eighteenth-century artists frequently depicted them as nude females, united by a sash, representing harmony. Taken as general symbols of love, beauty, and fertility, they are often accompanied by Cupid or Mercury, their male counterparts. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 15, 2008 | Hits: 453

"Formed in 1991, the Collegium, early music ensemble, is composed of adolescents and young adults loving music and especially the ancient instruments.

The repertoire is based primarily on the baroque periods and style but without rejecting other styles (South American music, various adaptations to jazz ...).

The program includes medieval music renaissance and baroque instrumental and vocal music of the Andes. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 454

"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: 454

"We are a vocal group devoted to early music with a wide repertoire especially centred in Renaissance polyphony. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 455