EarlyMusicNews.Org

"The Oxford Waits take their name from a real-life band of city musicians, known as 'waits,' who flourished in Oxford during the 17th century, the tumultuous era of the English Civil War and Restoration. The performers appear in period costume, and concerts are enlivened by street ballads, dance tunes, airs and rounds as well as readings from diarists and poets. Superb singing voices are matched by specialist skills in an array of instruments that include fiddle, bagpipes, lute, cittern, harpsichord, pipe and tabor, hurdy-gurdy, shawm, flute and percussion. A typical concert line-up consists of four or five performers, but the Oxford Waits are also represented by larger and smaller combinations of musicians, as well as by individual artists in solo recitals. The Oxford Waits are available for public concerts - and for private events too, such as banquets, fairs, dances, themed parties, school visits, weddings, corporate entertainments and Civil War re-enactments. " Visit website for more information. (ed)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 426

"Formed in 1988 by the Early Music Centre of Great Britain, the Orlando Consort has rapidly achieved a reputation as one of the most expert and consistently challenging groups performing repertoire from the years 1050 to 1500. While all four singers in the group are established soloists, they also contribute enormous experience and expertise in the field of early music gained through working with groups such as the Tallis Scholars and the Gabrieli and Taverner Consorts. Working with leading academics on music that has often never been performed in modern times, they have set new standards of performance, particularly with regard to the pronunciation and tuning of this fascinating repertoire. For their work on the extraordinary techniques of 12th Century Aquitanian polyphony they were awarded the 1996 Noah Greenberg Award by the American Musicological Society. In recent times the Consort has also attracted considerable attention for their imaginative programming of contemporary music and jazz. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 422

“Nuada is a duo/trio playing Celtic, Folk and Early music.

Nuada are...

• Ruth Bramley -- Hurdy gurdy, vocals, guitar, banjo, Appalachian dulcimer and percussion.
• Sam Burke -- Vocals, bouzouki, guitar, laud, percussion, chalmeaux, lute and crumhorn.
• Ferris Jay -- Bagpipes, recorders, flutes, whistles, gemshorn, ocarina and vocals.

Nuada... the Duo

• Sam and Ferris, playing a wide range of traditional Irish, Celtic and Folk music.

Nuada... the Trio

• has more emphasis on the French, Folk and Early music. ..“

Added on: Jul 29, 2009 | Hits: 354

"New Renaissance Voices was formed in 1987 to perform polyphonic music of the 15th and 16th centuries. For ten years the choir made its regular home at St John the Divine, Richmond in south-west London. In 1998 the choir moved its base into central London and sang regularly for two years in the newly refurbished church of St John’s Waterloo. NRV has performed as part of the Southwark Festival and its concerts now regularly take place in Southwark Cathedral.

NRV’s founder and director is Bruce Saunders. A choral scholar at Cambridge and an experienced recitalist and oratorio soloist, he performs regularly with baroque orchestras using period instruments in London and elsewhere, and has appeared as a soloist with many London choirs and choral societies. Active in early music in Bristol and Portsmouth since the early 1970s, he moved to London in 1984 and drew together a group of friends interested in exploring the early music repertoire.

NRV is now a group of about eighteen singers. Since their first concert in March 1987 in the church of St Mary the Virgin Mortlake, the choir, whose name was chosen to echo something of the ars nova style of renaissance polyphony, have given more than fifty concerts exploring the music of composers from Dufay, Ockeghem and Josquin to Gesualdo and Monteverdi. NRV’s repertoire explores European rather than English music. This wider range of styles requires a willingness to move away from the soaring legato with which English Tudor music is customarily performed, in order to learn how to respond vocally in new ways to the enormous variety of demands made by the music of this fascinating period. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 342

“One of the world's leading early music ensembles, Philip Pickett's versatile New London Consort explores a uniquely wide and colourful repertoire of Renaissance and Baroque music presented in carefully planned programmes designed to combine the very best in scholarship and entertainment.

The principal artists, all established soloists in their own right, share a rare unanimity of purpose and style, resulting in the New London Consort's undisputed reputation for artistry, flair and virtuosity.

Their concerts and recordings, while frequently including first modern performances of unpublished, undiscovered or reconstructed masterpieces, also shed unexpected and often controversial new light on more familiar works.”

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Added on: Nov 08, 2012 | Hits: 85

“Drawn from three continents, musicians from My Lady's Chamber have studied in New York, Brisbane and Toronto as well as in London at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music. The group aims to communicate the passion of the Baroque, whilst retaining its essential poise and elegance. ..“

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Added on: Apr 18, 2010 | Hits: 283

“In 1993 the late Sam Wanamaker asked Philip Pickett to form an associate ensemble to carry the name and ethos of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre around the world through concerts, recordings and broadcasts.

Determined to achieve the highest possible standards of musical performance, Pickett immediately formed the Musicians of the Globe from among the very best of England’s early music instrumentalists. Together with distinguished vocal soloists they explore a colourful and varied repertoire of Elizabethan and Jacobean music, much of it inspired by Shakespeare.

The nucleus of the group – a 6-part English consort of violin, recorder, cittern, lute, bandora and bass viol – can be expanded to perform large-scale programmes of 17th-century music. …”

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Added on: Nov 08, 2012 | Hits: 115

"What did women sing in the sixteenth and seventeeth centuries?

Musica Secreta was founded in 1990 to explore this question, and we have been particularly fortunate in having the help of the foremost scholars in this exciting new field. The answer seems to be that a lot of it has been sitting for decades on library shelves disguised as madrigals or sacred music for mixed a cappella voices. All that was needed was to rediscover a performance practice that always had taken huge liberties with the printed score. ...

Having performed and recorded music specifically composed by nuns or dedicated to convents, the group now plans to look at "mainstream" polyphony from 16th-century composers (Josquin, Rore, Palestrina, Victoria, Lassus, etc.) and arrange it as the nuns would have done - both accompanied and a cappella - thus giving a fascinating new historical slant to familiar repertoire. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 366

"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: 451

"Musica Antiqua of London is one of the foremost early music groups in the UK today. Playing renaissance instruments including viols, recorders, lute, guitar, harp, crumhorns, rebecs, shawms and sackbut, their performing history includes tours on the Early Music Network, the London concert halls, festivals throughout Britain and Europe, and appearances on national radio and television.

Often joined by leading guest artists for larger programmes, Musica Antiqua of London's virtuosity and versatility has won critical acclaim in the music press. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 480

“The duo Misericordia specialises in the Music and Song of Medieval Britain and Europe.

Anne Marie Summers and Stephen Tyler have been playing and recording together as a duo for over a decade, taking some of the earliest scored music and combining it with the improvisational element of folk music for an exciting and dynamic performance. They are accomplished multi-instrumentalists, and their wide range of instruments allows them many different sound textures to match the different musical traditions of medieval Europe.

A performance by Misericordia will take you from the mesmeric drone-based harmonies of their trademark combination of bagpipes and hurdy-gurdy, to the harmonically sparser sound of recorder and citole, as well as to softer timbres such as voice and harp.

Misericordia regularly perform at concert venues and early music festivals throughout Britain and Europe and have made various recordings.  Originally formed as a duo, they now work regularly with other instrumentalists and singers for a larger ensemble; all are professional and extremely versatile musicians specialising in early music.

Workshops are also available in medieval instrumental music, song, and singing for dancing. ”

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Added on: May 11, 2009 | Hits: 377

“Minstrels Gallery were formed to bring early music to a new audience. It has been our experience that there is a genuine interest amongst people would not normally attend a "classical" music concert. The often lively and rhythmic vivacity of the music along with the unusual sound and appearance of the many instruments we play sparks the imagination of our listeners. This was born out by a series of informal concerts held in the Great Hall of the British Museum. A very diverse and mixed audience showed a lot of interest and asked many questions about the music and its performance.

This experience has led Minstrels Gallery to develop a number of concert formats where we not only perform but also explain the music, instruments and their historic setting. This along with our school visits, where children are given the opportunity to play on the many instruments we bring, has convinced us of the enduring delight that early music can create.  …“

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Added on: Dec 28, 2011 | Hits: 154

"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: 447

"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: 402

“The allure is undeniable.  Six talented, attractive women breathe renewed life into the rich texts of medieval songs and poetry.  Their hauntingly beautiful music captures the imagination and devotion of modern audiences.  They are the Mediaeval Baebes, and in ten years they have placed three studio albums into the top of the UK classical charts and performed before enthusiastic audiences in the UK, United States, Canada and Europe.

Founding member Katharine Blake is also the music director and lead composer and arranger for the band. Born in London, Katharine was classically trained at the Purcell School of Music and Richmond College. In the mid-1990s she met musician Dorothy Carter in Berlin.  Carter was playing hurdy-gurdy
and dulcimer, and Blake was immediately drawn to the sound of the medieval music and instruments. Back in London, she and a group of friends got together to sing songs from the Middle Ages purely for their own enjoyment.  Within a year they had released their first album, Salva Nos, which climbed into the UK’s Classical chart, and became Virgin Classics’ fastest selling debut album.  Their 1998 follow-up album,  Worldes Bylsse, blazed to number one in the Classical Charts. ..“ Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2009 | Hits: 334

“The early music ensemble Mean Time was founded in 2003 in Greenwich, with the aim of creating innovative and varied programmes of music which are accessible, and appeal to a wide range of audiences.  Specialising in work with the recorder they are also proficient at singing and playing the baroque flute and harpsichord.  Often praised for their versatility they cover repertoire spanning the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods as well as a little contemporary music. 

All members studied early music at Trinity College of Music or The Royal College of Music under the direction of Philip Thorby and Ashley Solomon.  Since leaving college they have all enthusiastically entered the teaching profession and enjoy enriching the lives of young people through music.  They also enjoy delivering workshops and are committed to charity work having particularly enjoyed a project which took music into hospitals.  Performing regularly all over the country the group has played in venues such as Wistow Church as part of The Leicester Early Music Festival, Charlton House, The Greenwich Maritime Museum and St. Alfege Church.“

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Added on: Dec 28, 2011 | Hits: 185

“Full-on Medieval Music for Street Festivals, Carnivals, History Fairs and other events

We’re serious about medieval music, and we want the power of that music to reach as wide an audience as possible.  To bring you that power at full blast, we have formed Mandrake! featuring twinned bagpipes, hurdy gurdy and twinned percussion.  

It’s an infectious and boisterous mix that is well suited to popular public events.

In fully authentic medieval costume or carnival dress, led by its bagpipe divas, Mandrake! also makes a distinctive eye-catching spectacle.“

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Added on: May 11, 2009 | Hits: 426

"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: 357

“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: 269

“La Serenissima was formed in 1994 for a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s La Senna festeggiante (RV 693) and has now firmly established itself as one of the leading exponents of the music of Antonio Vivaldi and his Italian contemporaries.

La Serenissima has been universally applauded by publications such as Gramophone Magazine, The Sunday Times, BBC Music Magazine, Diapason, Fanfare Magazine, American Record Guide, The Independent, The Strad, La Stampa, Gaudisc, Goldberg Magazine and the London Evening Standard for its performances and recordings on the AVIE label. They have made nine recordings to date and received Gramophone Award nominations in 2008, 2009 and 2010. 2009 also saw ‘Vivaldi — The French Connection’ selected for Gramophone Magazine’s Editor’s Choice and in 2010 this record won a Gramophone Award. Their latest recording, ‘Vivaldi — Gods, Emperors & Angels’ was Record of the Week on Classic FM and on US stations WQXR and KDFC. Both albums reached the top ten of the US Billboard (Classical) Charts in 2010.”

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Added on: Nov 25, 2011 | Hits: 292

“La Nuova Musica is a vocal and instrumental ensemble dedicated to the music of the European Renaissance and Baroque. In less than five years since its foundation by counter-tenor David Bates, it has shot to prominence in the UK and abroad. Already a regular guest at the foremost Early Music venues and festivals, including King’s Place, Wigmore Hall and the Aldeburgh, Spitalfields and London Handel festivals, La Nuova Musica is establishing itself amongst critics and audiences as both a fixture and a breath of fresh air. …”

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Added on: Feb 08, 2012 | Hits: 287

“la Brigata (Italian for a company of friends) was founded in 1989 by Kristine Szulik from Cheshire, (Alto) and Andrew Kirkman, with the aim of introducing audiences to some marvellous areas of early music that are now rarely performed.

la Brigata specialises in fully staged music-theatre pieces.  Danse Macabre,  100 years of the plague in 50 minutes.  Bisclavret, an interpretation of the lais of Marie de France.  The Feast of Fools, a mediaeval celebration of misrule.  Henry's Wives, Henry from his wives point of view.  Sex, Seduction and Insanity, music-theatre from the 1680's. ..“ Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2009 | Hits: 330

"THE KING'S CONSORT is one of Europe's leading period instrument orchestras. Founded in 1980, TKC and its equally renowned Choir of The King's Consort have toured in five continents and appeared in almost every European country, in Japan, Hong Kong and the Far East, as well as North and South America. With 95 CDs in the catalogue, and more than one million CD sales, TKC is one of the world's most-recorded historical instrument orchestras. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 333

"This London-based ensemble have been playing since 1990. Their performances include the opening concert at the Aldeburgh Festival and the closing concert at York Early Music Festival; London's Lufthansa Festival (where they put "brought in one of the largest audiences at the festival"), the Queen Elizabeth Hall (London), St David's Hall (Cardiff), Sana'a & Aden (Yemen), Brezice Early Music Festival (Slovenia), Istanbul, Amsterdam International Festival of Jewish Music, Chinchilla Early Music Festival; tours in Germany, Italy and Holland. Broadcasts include BBC Radio 3, 4, and World Service; German, Dutch and Slovenian radio. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 334

"JANICULUM was founded by Jane Clark primarily to perform the unpublished music she had found in her research on The Grand Tour. It takes its name from the hill in Rome.

Jane Clark, founder of Janiculum, is well known as a harpsichord recitalist in Europe and the USA.

Her research into the music of François Couperin and Domenico Scarlatti has received international recognition. The Scarlatti CD reflects her knowledge of Spanish folk music. In 1992 she played the complete Pièces de Clavecin of François Couperin at The Bate Collection in Oxford and her research on the background to the pieces is published in the Bate Collection Handbook series.

She has given recitals and lectures extensively in the USA including The Fine Arts Museum in Boston, The Frick Collection in New York, Indiana State University at Bloomington, Southern Methodist University in Dallas and The Round Top Festival Institute in Texas. She has taught, lectured and played at summer courses including the Dartington International Summer School, Fort Bergwin, New Mexico and the Aston Magna Academy at Yale. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 26, 2008 | Hits: 360