EarlyMusicNews.Org

" Cancionero is an Early Music Ensemble based in the Sevenoaks and Maidstone area of Kent. The group perform music from the Middle Ages and early Renaissance with an emphasis on the troubadour and Spanish repertoire but also including music from the Tudor court. Programmes are available with from 2 to 5 performers.

Members of the group sing and perform on a wide variety of instruments: Renaissance recorders, cornamuse, crumhorn, bagpipes, medieval and renaissance lute, vihuela, harp, gittern, citole, crwth, dulcimer, psaltery, rebec, virginals, hurdy-gurdy and percussion." See website for more information (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 321

"The Brook Street Band is an award winning specialist in Eighteenth Century repertoire that takes its name from the London street where Handel lived and composed for most of his working life in England. Its various prizes include BBC Radio 3 Young Artists' Forum and the Byrne Award, given by the Handel Institute. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 354

" Jeremy Barlow specialises in English popular music and English dance music from 1550-1750, as a performer, writer and lecturer. His group the Broadside Band has performed at major venues and festivals in England, Scotland, France, Austria, Germany and Sweden and has made many recordings for Harmonia Mundi, Hyperion, Saydisc etc. These include the Edison Award winning complete Beggar's Opera featuring Bob Hoskins and Sarah Walker, and best-selling ‘Songs and Dances from Shakespeare'. His book The Enraged Musician: Hogarth’s Musical Imagery (Ashgate, 2005) has received excellent reviews, and his next book, The Cat & the Fiddle: Images of musical humour from the Middle Ages to modern times (Bodleian Library, Oxford) will be published shortly. Jeremy Barlow lectures at home and abroad on a variety of subjects linking music and art. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 310

"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: 395

"Baroque Encounter is a dynamic early music ensemble presenting baroque repertoire in elaborate period costumes in performances ranging from semi-staged concerts to full productions. Along with more popular baroque works, Baroque Encounter offers audiences the opportunity to experience the splendours of under-valued baroque gems.

Our performances aim to give the audience a truly baroque experience. We combine vibrant young talent with established exponents of baroque performance, perform with period instruments, work with baroque costume specialists and prepare with baroque directors/choreographers. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 361

"The Banquet of Musick was founded in 1994 to perform a wide range of music from the 17th and early 18th centuries using appropriate instruments and working where possible from original early editions or facsimiles.

The Banquet of Musick has given more than one hundred concerts from Skye to the Borders, played at Camelot’s First Birthday Party in Syon House in London and has broadcast on Radio Scotland.

The Banquet of Musick is based in Scotland and is available at any time throughout the year by negotiation. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 05, 2008 | Hits: 342

"The Balthazar Ensemble wind quintet was established in 1999; it performs classical and early romantic wind music on the instruments for which the music was originally composed. All the members specialize in early music performance, and play on historical instruments or modern copies.

The ensemble has performed in venues ranging from the Noorderkerk church in Amsterdam to Dussum Castle, and inaugurated the Mengalzaal at the Ghent Conservatorium.

Individually Balthazar's members perform (in some cases on instruments they have built themselves) with the world's leading orchestras, early and otherwise, and ensembles — Freiburger Barockorchester, The Academy of Ancient Music, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Musica ad Rhenum, Les Talens Lyriques, Radio Symfonie Orkest, Nachtmusique, Zefiro, Concerto K�ln, La Grande Ecurie and Europa Galante.

Balthazar Ensemble offers you a fresh and sparkling interpretation of the works of well known composers — Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Rossini, without neglecting the output of their less well known contemporaries, Danzi, Mengal, Reicha and Gebauer, which deserve once more to be placed in the spotlight.

The unique sounds of historical instruments, the combination of transparent timbres and clarity of articulation results in uplifting and vital performances of this fascinating repertoire. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 331

"The Avison Ensemble are North East England's foremost exponents of 18th century music and standard bearers for Charles Avison, the hitherto little known but important English composer of the 18th Century.

Charles Avison (1709-1770) was a Newcastle-born composer, conductor and organist. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians calls him, "the most important English concerto composer of the 18th Century". Yet his work and that of other neglected British composers of the period was thoroughly overshadowed by the brilliance of George Frederick Handel, who was operating in London at the time.

omprised of some of Europe's leading musicians and soloists and in addition to playing other works from the baroque and early classical periods, the Avison Ensemble promotes chamber concerts and is furthering the revival of the once famous Newcastle Subscription Concerts, originally established and promoted by Charles Avison himself.

The Ensemble have chosen to perform on period instruments in order to recreate as closely as possible the distinctive 'sound world' that Charles Avison would have known. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 513

“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.”

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 209

"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: 455

"Apollo & Pan is a dynamic young group which explores the numerous hitherto neglected works for violin and bassoon from the 17th and 18th centuries, using both renaissance and baroque instruments. By expanding the group with one or two extra musicians, there are also opportunities to explore a wider repertoire, ranging from Vivaldi concertos to Bach cantatas.

In Greek mythology, Pan famously challenged Apollo to a musical contest: in the renaissance, Pan, often pictured holding a wind instrument, represented the wild and untamed, whereas Apollo, normally shown with a stringed instrument, stood for the sublime and refined. These contrasting qualities are united in the ensemble of violin and bassoon - with the development of mixed ensembles in the 17th century, this popular combination symbolised the contrast of the opposing forces of Apollo and Pan.

Tassilo Erhardt and Sally Holman met and formed Apollo & Pan while studying at The Royal Conservatory in The Hague. In England they were joined by the keyboard player Steven Devine, who was the winner of the inaugural Broadwood Harpsichord Competition in 1993. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 314

"The Amphion Consort are named after the mythological player (Ovid, metamorphoses) who built the walls of Thebes moving the stones to fall in their places by the power and beauty of his playing. The ensemble was initially formed to explore the repertoire for baroque violin and continuo (theorbo), but is expanding to include some of the best players and singers on the scene to perform chamber music and large scale works.

our repertoire ranges from the 14th century Ars Subtilior; Elizabethan lute songs by Dowland and Danyel; French music for viol and theorbo by de Visee and Marais to English masques and operas such as Blow's Venus and Adonis, Purcell's Dido and Aneas and the Fairy Queen. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 415

" German viol player, Peter Wendland and English harpsichordist, David Roblou, are long-established international artists, known on CD through their work with leading early music ensembles: The Rose Consort of Viols and The New London Consort, as well as numerous individual solo appearances worldwide.

After 10 years' giving occasional concerts together, Peter and David have decided to create a new ensemble and are currently offering three innovative programmes: Bach, and two new mixed programmes demonstrating the extraordinary variety of the repertoire, as well as the versatility and imagination of the artists. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 281

“A Companye of Strangers performs Medieval and Tudor music, song and dance, as yeomen and women, or as courtiers. We are based in Kent, and have been taking part in all manner of events in England, France and Germany since 1993, and can provide entertainment for Medieval or Tudor banquets, re-enactment events, festivals, markets, ceilidhs, weddings and parties. We are also happy to teach the audience some of our simpler dances so that they may join in the fun.

Please note that we are not a living history group – our primary aim is to entertain!

We are always happy to welcome new members, men or women – no experience required.”

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Dec 15, 2011 | Hits: 198

“Originally formed when two of our members were studying at the Royal College of Music, The 1607 Ensemble is unique in that we perform early consort repertoire alongside 20th-century vocal jazz—both to a high professional standard—and create our own eclectic compositions using elements from both styles. We draw our inspiration from a cappella groups like The Real Group, Take 6, Manhattan Transfer, and the New York Voices; mainstream early music groups such as The Consort of Musicke, I Fagiolini, and Le Poème Harmonique; and “third stream” jazz/classical fusion groups like The Modern Jazz Quartet. ..“

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 18, 2010 | Hits: 313

" Le Basile is a group of talented young musicians specialising in music of the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries who met during their studies in the Medieval Department of the prestigious Schola Cantorum in Basel, Switzerland. The group takes its name from a piece by Solage in the Chantilly Codex (a 14th century music manuscript); le basile is French for basilisk and is also the basis for the name Basel – the group’s town of origin. The group performs throughout Europe and is a regular visitor to the Brighton Early Music Festival. Concerts are presented on copies of medieval and early Renaissance instruments and the members strive to introduce this ‘little heard’ music to audiences through innovative, informative and entertaining performances. Recent recitals and workshops in Germany, Switzerland and the UK have received excellent reviews. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 477

"Horses Brawl present an innovative take early music, with roots in renaissance, medieval, baroque and folk traditions they re-work, re-compose and explore unconventional techniques.

A masterclass in turning one instrument into many, Horses Brawl play bowed guitar, double barrelled recorders and crumhorn solos. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 388

"The Galata Chamber Choir (now spead out all over the world) is composed of 8 members : 2 French, 2 Italians, 1 British all living in Turkey, and 3 Turks. With a humanist thought, their goal is to make music together in an atmosphere of friendship, and to experience a mosaic of cultures.

The repertoire of the Galata Chamber Choir consists of polyphonic works of various composers from the Renaissance and Baroque periods (15th-18th cc.) and is sung in seven different languages : english, french, german, italian, latin, spanish and turkish.

Based on the love of music and people, the Galata Chamber Choir welds different cultures in peace. The benefits from their concerts are left to the competent organizations to help the poor, the elderly, and orphans and children in need.

Whenever possible, the Galata Chamber Choir's concerts take place in historical places. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 291

“Tinktur is a newly formed ensemble with a love of early music. We create theatrical performances for church or chamber room. The voice, lute and poetry woven together and a living history is told.

Tinktur is made ​​up of Ann-Christine Wesser Ingels (vocals), Sofia Thelin Edgren (vocals) and Fredrik Bock (lute, theorbo, etc.), all familiar faces from the Swedish music scene. All three have a classical background, but downloading is fond of inspiration from song and folk tradition ... In the theatrical process, we collaborate with registered consultants. For specific programs and performances extended ensemble with more known musicians from Sweden and Denmark.”

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 24, 2012 | Hits: 143

“In their endeavour to find new perspectives on old music, Rebaroque have chosen to co-operate with several soloists and conductors. Together with soprano Susanne Rydén the ensemble toured in 2005-2006 with the musical drama "Christina's Journey", which was also broadcast on Swedish national television (SVT) and was highly acclaimed by the critics when released on CD.

Rebaroque works with choirs such as The Swedish Radio Choir, The Mikaeli Chamber Choir, and Eric Ericson's Chamber Choir, and has apart from TV-appearances made numerous radio recordings and live broadcasts, of which several have been European broadcasts.”

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 24, 2012 | Hits: 122

"Les Musiciens de l´îlot Royal was established 1997 in Stockholm, Sweden by harpsichordist and composer Miguel Robaina.

The ensemble are mainly into music from the baroque era. Their repetoir primary consists of french music in the spirit of Lully and music from the Swedish great powerperiod. Les Musiciens are also frequently performing music from the Scharffeneck collection of contemporary early music.

The ensemble are playing on historical original instruments or replicas of such. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 10, 2008 | Hits: 675

"Gothenburg is a Baroque ensemble consisting of singer and instrumentalists focused on the music of the 16th-17th century. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Oct 08, 2008 | Hits: 432

"The Ensemble Villancico was formed in 1995 for the purpose of performing and spreading the renaissance music collection "Cancionero de Upsala", and is conducted by Peter Pontvik. The ensemble has given more than a hundred concerts, in 25 countries (Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Baltic states and Latin America). " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 644

“Ensemble Altapunta debuted at the Palladium in Malmö 26th January and played in the St Mary's Church in Helsingborg August 2007.”

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2012 | Hits: 175

Early Music Ensemble.

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2012 | Hits: 211