EarlyMusicNews.org

“Fortuna presents a fresh approach to late medieval polyphony – brilliant voices, high-pitched instruments and vivacious tempi – thus Fortuna creates the distinctive sound the ensemble achieved critical acclaim for, both in The Netherlands and abroad.

 Fortuna performs Ars Nova from unknown manuscripts like Utrecht 6E37II as well as the works of famous composers like Guillaume de Machaut, Guillaume Dufay and Johannes Ciconia. Thereby always transforming meticulous research into the spontaneous music making that established the ensemble’s reputation in the field of Early Music – a performance today’s audiences can relate to: Early Music in Context.

Fortuna has participated in Early Music Festivals and chamber music festivals in The Netherlands and abroad, such as the Festival of Flanders Antwerp (Laus Polyphoniae), the Early Music Festival SEVIQC (Slovenia), the Festival de Musique Ancienne (Paris), and the Holland Early Music Festival (Utrecht). Concerts by Fortuna are broadcast by Dutch radio and television.”

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Added on: Nov 24, 2011 | Hits: 323

“Ensemble Phoebus Amsterdam was founded in 1996 by students of Bob van Asperen, Marten Root and Wouter Möller. The ensemble followed a special old-music course in France, organized by UNESCO and received lessons from Chiara Banchini and Barthold Kuijken. ..“

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Added on: Jul 14, 2009 | Hits: 486

“Ensemble Rossignol (nightingale) owes its name to iths first series of performances in 1998 built around 'De virtuoze zang van het Engels Nachtegaeltje' (The virtuoso song of the Englisch Nightingale) by Jr. Jacob van Eyck (Amsterdam, 1648).

The virtuosity and the refined, musical, playful and inspiring performance of the ensemble immediately call to mind the nightingale's song.

Combining the chitarrone (theorbe) / liuto (lute) and the flauto dolce (recorder) results in a special mix of sounds. The sound of the flute together with the strings, combined with the varying pitch, is what makes the harmonization so special.”

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Added on: Nov 24, 2011 | Hits: 281

“Inspired by the gloriously virtuosic music from the end of the 17th century, from which the name "Stylus Fantasticus" was coined, the aim of the ensemble is to recreate repertoire from the early seicento until the late baroque searching and exploring the extravagance that flourished when composers and instrumentalists dared to traverse the established limits of the usual.

From the excesses of Biber, through the unrestrained harmonic richness of Rameau and the ravishing melodic imagination of Pandolfi Mealli, to the vividness and passion of the forerunners of romanticism as depicted by the generation after Bach, Fantasticus makes no compromises with regard to authentic performance, fearlessly trespassing on the borders of correctness.”

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Added on: Mar 01, 2012 | Hits: 451

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Added on: May 17, 2009 | Hits: 732

"Holland Baroque Society has combined innovative programming with a unique working style. Baroque music still takes center stage, but bridges are also being built to other traditions and arts such as Balkan music and the art of literature. The orchestra does not have a permanent director: that helps keep their ears sharp and makes the sense of ensemble both richer and more intense. For each new project, HBS invites a particular baroque specialist who has an innovative vision, one who has mastered a distinctive aspect of performance practice (such as ornamentation or improvisation), or in some other way has escaped the timeworn pathways of convention. HBS has worked for several years with some of them, including oboist Alfredo Bernardini, soprano Maria Keohane, and traverso player Alexis Kossenko; this has allowed ample room for growth and development. In recent years, the orchestra has collaborated with prominent musicians such as Michael Maniaci, Matthew Halls, Stephen Stubbs, Milos Valent, Jan Rokyta, Stefano Montanari, Paolo Pandolfo, Veronika Skuplik, and the actress Cox Habbema. HBS has undertaken projects with the Netherlands Chamber Choir and Cappella Amsterdam, and organizes six of its own concert series throughout the Netherlands. Hbs has also been invited to perform at renowned early music festivals at home and abroad. Educational projects such as ‘Kids only-concerts’ allow HBS to introduce thousands of children and young people to baroque music every year. In this way, too, Holland Baroque Society plays a dynamic role in society." Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 518

“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: 731

“La Barca Leyden derives its name from the two songs 'La Barca' ('the boat') and 'Fortuna guida' of 1611 of the Leiden composer, musician and organist of the city and Peter Hooglandse church Schuyt Cornelis (1557-1616). Together, the songs are a blessing and also an allusion to his own name: 'May the boat send Fortuna!'

This Baroque ensemble was founded in 2007 by flutist Raymond Honing and consists of prominent musicians who have specialised in authentic performance practice of early music and has a home in Leiden. La Barca Leyden joins the rich musical history of the city and revitalises Leiden as a residence by choice. La Barca Leyden starts where Cornelis Schuyt ended: in the early Baroque and occurs in both small and large occupation. “

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Added on: Nov 24, 2011 | Hits: 334

"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: 633

“All members of the Lacrimae Ensemble are experienced performers of early music on historical instruments and have participated in numerous recordings for both radio and CD. “ Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2009 | Hits: 470

"The ensemble Le Jardin Secret presents the wonderful treasure of Baroque solo vocal literature accompanied by the full colour and beauty of original continuo and obligato instruments. With soprano Elizabeth Dobbin, the ensemble performs a wide range of 17th and 18th century repertoire with dedicated attention to historical context and to the possibilities of creative continuo playing and improvisation.

The music is intimate and highly expressive, exploiting the powerful and contrasting affects of the poetry to which it is set, welcoming the listener into the most secret places of the heart. Le Jardin Secret (in French a metaphor for the heart) is a place of sensual beauty and delight, of mystery and contemplation, of lament, grief and suffering, of amusement and assignation.

The members of the ensemble, which won both the first prize and the audience prize in the Early Music Network International Young Artists’ Competition in York in 2007, are post-graduates of conservatories in Basel, The Hague and Brussels. It is the aim of the ensemble to bring to life the emotive energy of the music, opening the door to the aesthetic world of the Baroque in all its beguiling beauty. " ...

Added on: Aug 19, 2007 | Hits: 751

"Inspired by the 'Paris' Quartets of G.Ph. Telemann, the ensemble Le Mercure was formed in the Netherlands and concertizes throughout Europe. With an international core of members and a wide palette of instrumental colors, we are able to concentrate on music written in a true quartet style as well as trio sonatas for two upper voices and continuo. The quartet, however, is our starting point and remains as our main focus in concerts. The name Le Mercure was taken from various periodicals that existed in France during the 17th and 18th centuries, in which one often finds reports of important musical performances of the time. It also refers to Mercury, the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology. We feel ourselves as messengers who wish to transmit the richness and beauty of early music to our audience. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 683

"Formed in The Hague in 2004, the members of LOTUS have been working together since 2001 as students of the Royal Conservatoire.

Its repertoire consists of pieces from the 17th and 18th Centuries originally written for recorder and harpsichord or continuo and, when suitable and historically justifiable, transcriptions of works from that period originally written for other instruments.

The observation of sound stylistics and historical performance practices and a lively rendition of the music mark their presentation."

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Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 497

"The Modena Consort is one of the first ensembles to perform Renaissance polyphony on the transverse flutes of the time.

The group was found in 1998 in The Hague, and consists of a singer, a four-part flute consort and a pair of lutes. The group’s repertoire explores different aspects of renaissance polyphony; from the meditative and intricate polyphony of the late fifteenth century of Josquin de Prez’s generation, through the jubilant and mischievous world of Italian Frottole and dance music. The consort has performed in various venues and festivals in Holland, Belgium, France and Switzerland, and was invited to perform in international meetings dedicated to the renaissance flute.

The group's first CD with the German Cornetto label, dedicated to music at the court of Maguerite of Austria, has appeared in August 2007. The instruments used by the consort were made by consort member Boaz Berney after originals in the Museé Instrumentale in Brussels. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 04, 2008 | Hits: 469

"Musica ad Rhenum has, since its founding in 1992, created a devoted following in the musical world. The intensely personal and highly emotional style which characterizes the performances of the group has earned them a special place on the early music scene. "Exhilarating", "controversial", "virtuoso" and "cutting-edge" are words which critics have used to describe the highly-charged atmosphere the group has created in concert at festivals and halls throughout Europe, North and South America, Iceland, Israel and Japan.

Blending an informed historical perspective with a lively artistic spirit, balancing the intentions of the composer against the needs of the creative performer, Musica ad Rhenum aims to make an impact on the audience; to move, amuse and delight them, through the music itself. The essence of the artistic experience, the meeting of minds separated by centuries, the moving of passions felt by hearts now turned to dust, needs no frivolous trappings, no gimmicks. Musica ad Rhenum is convinced, and has convinced audiences around the world, that Baroque music is as strong, expressive and free as the performers themselves, and as relevant to the world today as it was when first composed.

With more than 30 CDs on the market, with prizes and recommendations to their credit and repeated invitations to perform in the most prestigious venues, Musica ad Rhenum has proven its merit. The group has performed at festivals in York, London, Graz, Antwerpen, Madrid, Berlin and Utrecht, and on the concerts series of Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Frick Museum New York, Wigmore Hall London, Philharmonie Berlin and both Musikhaus and Musikverein Vienna. The core activity of the group is the performance of 18th-century chamber music: most recently the group has specialised in French music, which they approach with the enthousiasm, style and sense of fun which characterizes all their work. Their success with this repertoire can perhaps be judged by their 2004 recording of the complete chamber music of François Couperin, which has been highly praised in the press and has sold more than 20,000 copies. However, Musica ad Rhenum is not soley a chamber music group. Traverso-player and founder Jed Wentz also conducts the orchestral formation in large-scale works, and recent recordings and staged performances of operas by Mozart, Purcell and Handel have been hailed by critics for their verve and freshness. Whether the repertoire be intimate chamber music or grand, tragic opera, a concert by Musica ad Rhenum is not soon to be forgotten. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 22, 2008 | Hits: 545

"This idea, that ruled the aesthetics and the concept of baroque music especially in Germany inspired Jörn Boysen, harpsichordist and conductor to found the ensemble Musica Poetica in 1999.

The group is made up of young musicians from all over the world who specialise in early music, having done their studies in the conservatories of the Netherlands. They share an interest in performing music from the 17th and 18th centuries with an historically informed perspective, using instruments from that period and historical sources. The size of the group depends on the chosen programme. Musica Poetica performs as a chamber group as well as an orchestra including choir.

Their performance schedule has included concerts in Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, and live radio broadcasts. Musica Poetica performs regularly in festivals and concerts around Europe such as the Schleswig-Holstein Musikfestival, Festival Mitte Europa and the Holland Festival Oude Muziek. The ensemble opened the „Van Wassenaer Festival 2004“ in The Hague with two very successful concerts, and has taken part in the successful series „Oude Muziek - Nieuwe Generatie“ in the Prinsenhof Museum in Delft.

In March 2007, Musica Poetica collaborated with the choir „ars nova“ in Salamanca for performances of the St. John Passion, and in May 2007 performed in the International Buxtehude Festival in Lübeck. This year Musica Poetica is focusing on music by Buxtehude and his contemporaries. A recording with works by Flor, Buxtehude and their contemporaries is planned for the end of 2008. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 503

"Started by Adrián Rodríguez Van der Spoel in 2001, Música Temprana specializes in the interpretation of Latin American Baroque music. So far, the ensemble has given concerts in the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, France, Sweden, and Bolivia. The members of Música Temprana are professional musicians, acquainted with the performance practices of the traditional music of their countries of origin (Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, and Spain). Their musical instruments include different types of guitar (characteristic of the various Latin American countries), viola da gamba, harp, dulcian, and percussion, while the ensemble generally works with specialized singers, among them Xenia Meyer, Barbara Kusa, Marisú Pavón, and Fabian Schofrin. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 14, 2008 | Hits: 476

“Conducted by Fritz Heller, the ensemble's repertoire focuses on music of the 16th century, including music from the Middle Ages and the early baroque period.

Repertoire by several big name composers like Josquin Desprez, Heinrich Isaac, Ludwig Senfl as well as lesser known ones, such as Johan Stokes, Lambertus de Monte de Ponta Adamus, are included in the programmes of the ensemble.

The main genres of music Rabaskadol perform are Motets, madrigals, instrumental fantasias, dance music.”

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Added on: Nov 24, 2011 | Hits: 324

"Sfera Armoniosa specialises in performance of music from the seventeenth century. The ensemble's name is derived from a work commissioned for a seventeenth century noble marriage, published for voice and basso continuo.

The group is based around an unchanging core of continuo players. Vocal soloists are then added to the ensemble according to the demands of the repertoire. The more commonly heard basso continuo combination of lute and viola da gamba is enriched by the use of less well known instruments such as the lirone and the baroque guitar.

In addition to the music of famous composers such as Monteverdi and Lully, the ensemble undertakes research into the manuscripts and printed works of Italian, French, Spanish, English, German and Dutch libraries in order to provide a rich spectrum of music from lesser known composers. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 18, 2008 | Hits: 419

"The Foundation Musica da Camera Antica offers concerts' old 'music in The Hague and Voorschoten. With young talented musicians who have pledged their hearts to the historical practice. On beautiful locations and at an affordable price. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 474

“Super Librum, founded in 1985, is internationally acclaimed for its historically accurate performances of medieval music. The name of the ensemble has been chosen with care: playing 'super librum' (literally 'above the book') was the traditional manner of performance during the Middle Ages. Super Librum is one of the few ensembles to incorporate this playing practice in its performances. Super Librum is directed by Jankees Braaksma, who plays the recorder and the organetto. In 1986, Super Librum was awarded the first prize at the 'Competition for Ensembles of Early Music' (now known as 'Van Wassenaer Competition') and in 1987 gained a distinction as one of the finalists at the Musica Antiqua Competition at Bruges, Belgium.

Super Librum often cooperates with specialists educated at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, the only College of Music in Europe to have a specialised course in medieval music on its curriculum. ..” Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2009 | Hits: 527

“The William Byrd Vocal Ensemble was founded in 1981. The choirperforms a cappella music, though occasionally with accompaniment (piano, baroque ensemble) are used. The repertoire includes the entire choral literature of the last five hundred years.“

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Added on: Nov 24, 2011 | Hits: 306

“Bergen Barokk was founded in 1994. Their repertoire consists of 17th and 18th Cent. vocal and instrumental music from Italy, France, Germany, England and Scandinavia.  Bergen Barokk is supported by the City of Bergen and the Norwegian Culture Council.”

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Added on: May 09, 2009 | Hits: 487

“Currentes was founded in 2006 by its artistic director, Jostein Gundersen. Since then, it has performed in Norway, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy. Currentes defines its artistic goals as within the field of historically informed performance and specialises in polyphonic music from the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its particular interest is the exploration of that which has not been transmitted in musical notation, such as instrumentation, improvisation of ornaments, or entire parts. The ensemble ́s interest in new forms of expression has led not only to unorthodox performances of medieval and renaissance music, but also to its commissioning of a new work by the Norwegian composer, Eivind Buene. The ensemble´s first CD was released in January 2012 on LAWO Classics.”

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Added on: Feb 23, 2012 | Hits: 350

“Gro Siri Johansen, soprano, has a degree in classical voice from the Rogaland Conservatory and a diploma in Gregorian chant from the National Conservatory of Music in Paris. She is a founding member of the Paris-based vocal ensemble Dialogos, whose recording Terra Adriatica won the diapason d’Or and Le Choc in Le Monde de Musique. She has also performed and recorded her own settings of texts by Knut Hamsun, and participated in theater productions and musicals. In 1999 she founded Modus Center for Medieval Music in Oslo, where, as artistic director, she organizes and teaches courses in Gregorian chant and medieval vocal music.

Elizabeth Gaver, vielle and rebec, earned degrees from Stanford University and Juilliard before deciding to specialize in early music. She soon joined the medieval ensemble Sequentia, with whom she performed concerts throughout Europe, the US, Israel, Japan and Morocco. She participated in over a dozen recordings with the ensemble, along with several theatre productions. Since moving to Oslo, she has performed and recorded with Pro Musica Antiqua, Oslo, Modus ensemble and The Norwegian Baroque Orchestra.

Hans Olav Gorset, flutes, teaches recorder, Baroque flute, and performance practice at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. He has toured as a soloist and ensemble member in the US and Canada, and in many European countries, and made solo recordings that have been well received in the international press. With his group Pro Musica Antiqua, Oslo, he has discovered and recorded Scandinavian music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. His activities also include instrument making and freelance work for the Norwegian Radio.

Guest appearance
Morten Røhrt, is a well-known actor in Norway, where he has worked for theatres in Stavanger, Tromsø, Bergen and Oslo. His repertoire ranges from Dostoevsky to Wilde, from modern drama to musicals, cabarets and one-man shows. He voice is often heard in public radio, and he has also played an important part in a very popular television series, Hotel Cæsar.”

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Added on: Feb 24, 2012 | Hits: 312