EarlyMusicNews.Org

"L'Ensemble Gilles Binchois, who will celebrate its 30th year of performance, since its creation in 1979, has explored the large repertoire of the Middle Ages to the vocal repertoire of the Renaissance. ... "

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Added on: Apr 18, 2008 | Hits: 394

"fter twenty-eight years of world-wide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen's total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. Its special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th Century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder, Harry Christophers. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 393

"DIAPENTE is the ancient Greek and medieval name for the interval of a fifth, and originally means 'through five'. The newly founded 5-part viol consort Diapente is a truly international ensemble. The members come from the Netherlands, France, Russia, USA and Gemany and play in various leading European and North American early music ensembles as The Locke Consort, La Grande Écurie, Currende, Musica Eterna, Oberlin Consort of Viols and Tafelmusik. They called Diapente to life in 2001 in order to perform the most beautiful repertoire of the "golden age" of viol consort music. Using all instruments of the viol family in various combinations (here: treble, 2 tenors, bass and violone), Diapente seeks to bring out the charm, richness and beauty of its particular and idiomatic repertoire. The use of a violone - a historical but in our times unique feature in consort music - is already a hallmark of the sound of the ensemble. Diapente played at the 1. Festival de viole de gambe in Asfeld (France), June 2002 and at the Early Music Festival Utrecht (The Netherlands), August 2002. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 393

"Dulces Voces (Sweet Voices) is a vocal ensemble which specializes in performing secular and sacred music composed before 1750. The group has an eclectic repertoire which spans periods from chant and Burgundian motets to Monteverdi and Purcell.

Dulces Voces is comprised of a group of five singers based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The ensemble performs mostly a cappella music and has no conductor or advisor, therefore it draws on its members for repertoire and performance practice. The members of Dulces Voces come from varying backgrounds and professions, but all members have a profound love for the music performed. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 390

"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

Le Concert bourgeois is an early music ensemble whose core is concentrated around a string trio supported by vocal soloists and choirs. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2009 | Hits: 390

"The Spirit of Gambo is a Chicago area viol consort featuring Ken Perlow, Phillip Serna & Russell Wagner. The Spirit of Gambo performs music throughout the rich viol consort repertoire. Programs are built around providing historical context as well as variety in the repertoire to produce a stirring musical experience.

The Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols was formed in 2005 to address a growing deficiency of viol consort performers in the Midwest region, especially in the Chicago area. All being professional performers, the Spirit of Gambo are passionate advocates of the performance of music for early instruments, especially music composed for viols.

The Spirit of Gambo’s members have performed on period instruments with varied groups including Ars Antigua, Ars Musica Chicago, Bella Voce, the Boston Early Music Festival, the Bottom Line Continuo Consort, the Catacoustic Consort, Chicago Early Music Consort, Chicago Opera Theater, the Classical Arts Orchestra, Comic Intermezzo, Early Music Chicago, Ensemble Musical Offering, the Forces of Virtue Ensemble and Choir, the Janus Ensemble, the Newberry Consort, the Second City Musick, and the Evelyn Dunbar Memorial Early Music Festival at Northwestern University. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 16, 2008 | Hits: 388

Discography

• Kapsberger: La Villanella (2001)
• Stefano Landi: Homo fugi velut umbra... (2002)
• La Tarantella: Antidotum Tarantulae (2002)
• All'Improvviso (2004)
• Cavalieri: Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo (2004)
• Los Impossibles
• Monteverdi - Teatro d'Amore (2009)
• Via Crucis (2010)
• Monteverdi - Vespro della Beata Vergine (2011)
• Los Pajaros Perdidos (2012)

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Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 388

"The Croatian Baroque Ensemble is the most prominent Croatian ensemble specialized for historically authentic interpretations of instrumental and vocal and instrumental music from the baroque and similar periods, performed on original instruments and their quality replicas.

The ensemble was founded in 1999 and consists of esteemed musicians from the younger generation - both instrumentalists and vocalists, who are already renowned in performing baroque music.

Along with a continuous concert series consisting of seven concerts at the Croatian Music Institute with clear thematic programs that include Croatian and foreign baroque music, they are regular guests at numerous national and international festivals (Varaždin Baroque Evenings, Zagreb Baroque Festival, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Split Summer Festival, St. Donat’s Festival in Zadar, Histria Festival, Croatian Passionic Heritage, Organum Histriae, Concerts at the Eufrazijana, Rovinj Summer Festival, Brod Summer Festival, Osijek Summer Festival, Summer Festival on Pag, Festival Brežice, Festival of Croatian Music in Vienna, Festival of Central European Countries in Rome, Festival Tesori musicali Toscani in Pisa, etc.) ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 388

“We are a string quartet that plays on original instruments and forms the core of an ensemble of varying combinations; like faces on dice, alea’s numbers can change.

In 2000, we decided to join paths in a wish to explore the chamber music repertory and performance practice of the Classical and Romantic periods.

The four of us each have extensive experience in the field of ancient music, which we play regularly as section leaders of various ensembles (Europa Galante, I Barocchisti, Accademia Bizantina, Les Talens Lyriques, Le Concert d`Astrée). For this reason we find ourselves sometimes taking on projects with Alea that stretch back to the 17^th Century or the first half of the 18^th Century, but our main interest lies in the music of later epochs.

It is our conviction that the study of source material – treatises and early editions – as well as the use of various types of historical instruments and bows, still provide new interpretive insights. This is the reason we share our experience with musicologists, luthiers and bowmakers who are driven by a similar passion.  …”

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Added on: Nov 16, 2011 | Hits: 388

"Since its formation in 1991, Florilegium has established a reputation for stylish and exciting interpretations of music from the baroque era to the early romantic revolution. Among the numerous Residencies Florilegium has held over the years was the coveted post of Ensemble in Residence at London’s Wigmore Hall, a position they enjoyed for three seasons from 1998 to 2000. During that time they performed several series of concerts each year and became actively involved in the Hall’s education work. Their last season as Ensemble in Residence featured a six-concert series marking the 250th anniversary of J.S.Bach’s death.

Concert engagements have taken Florilegium throughout Eastern and Western Europe and to North and South America, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Israel and Turkey. The group receives numerous invitations to perform at major international festivals each season and recent concert venues have included the Sydney Opera House, Frick Collection in New York, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, The Concertgebauw in Amsterdam, The Vienna Konzerthaus in Austria, Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Handelhaus in Halle, and Théâtre Grevin in Paris."

Added on: Apr 15, 2007 | Hits: 387

"Mediva's credo is to bring passion and life to music of previous times and go beyond authenticity experimenting with jazz, improvisation, theatre and dance.

In its various guises, Mediva can go from performing 12th century organum from original notation in a prominent Early Music Festival through to rocking out in a back street night-club.

Innovation and diversity are Mediva's key characteristics powered by the creative vision and energy of Ann Allen, one of the most cutting edge performers on the Early Music scene. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 386

"Performers of Medieval & Renaissance Music ... The Everyman Guild was founded in 1977 and is an ensemble of friends (none an original member) who sing and play a wide variety of early instruments.

Performing in renaissance costume, we recreate early dances, and use poetry and drama to build informative, theatrical and engaging programs. The simple elegance of this music, with its complementary melodic lines, clean, spare harmonies, poetic texts and engaging rhythms make it relevant and accessible today. An Everyman Guild concert is music sung and played by a small group of musicians who work together closely on interpretation, and who know each other well. This offers the musicians and the audience a personal and direct musical experience. Renaissance music is an authentic living history of people of the past, and perhaps the most intimate way we can connect with them. We hear in their music the same elemental feelings, emotions, and rhythms that we experience in our own lives. Come with us into the Renaissance, and be moved to a deeper understanding of our world today. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 386

"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: 385

"Through their work together and with impulses from Evelyn Tubb, Anthony Rooley, Andreas Scholl, Andrea Marcon and Christina Pluhar they have successfully created a baroque ensemble which critics have described as “moving and enchanting”. Its quality was recognized by the jury of the ‘Early Music Network International Young Artists’ Competition” in York, England, who awarded the young ensemble first prize in 2003.

In the following year savādi… achieved further successes in the Van Wassenaer Concours 2004, obtaining first prizes from both the jury and the audience. "

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Added on: May 04, 2008 | Hits: 384

"Hailed as one of the most exciting period instrument ensembles on the New York scene, SYMPATICA has presented a dozen concerts over the last 18 months, to great critical acclaim. The ensemble comprises three exceptionally gifted musicians (Rachel Begley, recorders, Joëlle Morton, viola da gamba and Jennifer Griesbach, harpsichord), each an accomplished virtuosa in her own right. Sympatica's inventive programming draws on the standard repertoire as well as being dedicated to exploring contemporary music and adapting lesser-known music to the trio sonata medium. The ensemble's name (taken from the Italian term simpatia , meaning 'pleasantness') is reflective of the infectious chemistry and camaraderie that is evident among the group's members, and the delight with which its audiences receive the ensemble's whimsical and spirited performances. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 384

“Solstice brings together, around its founder, some of the most dedicated and talented Belgian musicians in this repertoire. They have in common a taste for 'authentic' early music and a solid modern training. The resulting interpretations combine refinement, sense of detail and classicism with great vivacity and engagement. Let us allow the press to have their say - they speak of Solstice in the following terms: total commitment, beautiful to see and hear - a great gust of freshness - ample breath and lively contrasts - one must appreciate 'en gourmet' these subtle blends of sonorities - perfect cohesion - by turns imperative, tender or ironic, energetic or languashing.

Chamber music is a magical alchemy, in which the personalities of the musicians begin by searching for and confronting one another, in order to achieve a common expression and élan. The task of director Isabelle Lamfalussy is to gather together the musicans, the composers and their music, but the music making is collective, and the final interpretation is created by each member of Solstice.“

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Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 384

"The Karmína Ensemble concentrates on the interpretation of old Czech folk songs and music of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods - both secular and sacred.

The wide range of different replicas of historical musical instruments that are used by the ensemble give the performance authenticity and richly coloured interesting sound. The atmosphere at concerts is emphasised by folk or period costumes and it can be also accompanied by the historical dance group.

Miroslav Sekáč, the founder and artistic leader of the ensemble searches old collections for music that he arranges in an unusual and non-traditional way. Miroslav Sekáč works closely with Czech Radio and Czech Television. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 383

" Sampling from a broad range of genres, Scaramella features Canada's finest early music specialists, showcased in energetic and accessible chamber music programs. Scaramella combines the unique and subtle timbres inherent to period instruments with the excitement and anticipation of performing new, or little-known works. Each program reveals some unexpected elements through choice of repertoire, by juxtaposing music with art and literature, or simply via the manner in which the presentation is staged. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 06, 2008 | Hits: 383

“The vocal ensemble TriacaMusicale was first formed in 1995 and its activity has since mainly revolved around giving concerts and carrying out research into old music and in particular unknown repertoires and authors from the European Baroque and Renaissance musical periods.

Research and study into the original theories of the chosen historical period, of manuscripts and original prints, is carried out by the members of the Ensemble, exploiting their various levels of musical experience and competence.“

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Added on: Jul 07, 2008 | Hits: 383

"Musica Pacifica achieved recognition as one of North America's premiere baroque ensembles soon after the group's founding in 1990. Mining a rich vein of Baroque literature for mixed wind/string ensemble, the group performs the spirited chamber concerti of Vivaldi and Telemann, colorful dance suites from the courts and opera houses of France, and the more intimate solo, duo, and trio sonatas from European countries as diverse as Scotland, Poland, Spain, and England. Musica Pacifica has been described by the press as "some of the finest baroque musicians in America" (American Record Guide) and "among the best in the world" (Alte Musik Aktuell). At home in the San Francisco Bay area, the artists are members of Philharmonia Baroque, and they appear with many other prominent early music ensembles nationally and abroad. ... " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 382

"Istanpitta is a United States based ensemble performing music of the 10th to 14th century Middle Ages including many traditional Middle Eastern dance tunes. The ensemble consists of 3-5 musicians playing a variety of period instruments including oud, lute, saz, early percussion, shawms, recorders, transverse flutes, krummhorns, vielles, Medieval harp, bagpipes and voice. The ensemble performs live at formal concert venues, universities, and festivals. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 18, 2008 | Hits: 381

"Ensemble Leonarda was formed at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where its founding members were participating in the early music program. Named after the composer Isabella Leonarda (1620–1704), this group of gifted individuals have come together to form an ensemble dedicated to performing works of the Baroque masters with vim, vigor, and enthusiasm. Past performances have included recitals at the Church of the Epiphany as part of the “Washington Musicians for Nuclear Disarmament” series; Squires Recital Salon at Virginia Tech; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Chapel–Columbia University, the Donnell Library Center, Music in Chelsea, and Church of the Transfiguration concert series. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 381

" Since 2002 La Favoritte early music has specialized in Baroque music on period instruments The ensemble also enjoys stretching the bounds of repertoire to include Medieval, Renaissance and contemporary works in performance. Since its inception as a trio, La Fav has grown to a larger ensemble frequently performing as a full-sized baroque orchestra including winds, brass, and tympani.

Our name, La Favoritte, from an 18th century piece for viola da gamba (by the French composer, Charles Dollé) is partly French - partly Italian, reflecting both the current musical fashion of the day, Les goût réunis (the unified style), and the ensemble's musical interests. Our special focus is the music of women composers, and the musical traditions of early Canada; great artists from ages past including Elizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, Barbara Strozzi, as well as the Augustine and Ursuline Nuns of New France. " ...

Added on: Aug 22, 2007 | Hits: 380

"The Newcastle Players perform Renaissance, Medieval, Celtic and British folk music on lute, baroque guitar, theorbo, viola da gamba, recorders, whistles and other period instruments. The Baltimore based ensemble was formed in 1994 when as members of the Peabody Renaissance Ensemble they collaborated to form a smaller group. Each member has extensive experience with early music perfomance on period instruments. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 18, 2008 | Hits: 380