EarlyMusicNews.Org

“The young CONCERTO ROMANO ensemble was formed as part of a project to revive the vast body of the hitherto forgotten music by the Roman composer, Francesco Foggia (1604-1688). The project was received with enthusiasm by critics and audiences alike and the ensemble decided to continue on their path and specialise in the music of their city. …

… The ensemble is made up of a fix nucleus - Paolo Perrone (baroque violin), Luca Pietropaoli (cornet), Serena Bellini (flutes) Luca Marconato and Francesco Tommasi (guitar and thorbos), Andrea Buccarella (cembalo and organ), Luca Cervoni (tenor) and Giacomo Farioli (bass) - and a variable number of singers and intrumentalists, all whom specialise in early music. It has performed regularly since 2006 and under Alessandro Quarta’s baton, has given many first contemporary performances in Italy (Rome, Florence, Palestrina) and Berne, also in numerous events sponsored by Rome’s Archeological Heritage Department and by the Rome City Council. In 2009, CONCERTO ROMANO debuted at the prestigious early music festival, Tage Alte Musik, in Herne, Germany, in 2010 in the Konzerthaus in Vienna meeting with enormous success. In 2011 Concerto Romano performed in the Vatican, at Rheingau Musik Festival and again with the German broadcasting station WDR in Kempen.“

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Added on: Feb 28, 2012 | Hits: 186

"For over a decade and a half, Concerto Palatino, under the direction of Bruce Dickey and Charles Toet, has been leading the way in the revival of the cornetto and baroque trombone. Their highly acclaimed concerts and recordings have brought an appreciation of their important but little known music to modern audiences, and stimulated many young players to take up these instruments, practically unknown a generation ago. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 328

“Concerto Italiano began its activity in 1984 at Teatro Ghione in Rome with a concert performance of Francesco Cavalli's Calisto. In twenty five years of concert activity all over the world the ensemble was able to renew the approach of the performance of Italian Music, especially in the case of Monteverdi and Vivaldi, at times suggesting models of execution which have become paradigmatic. In the case Bach, the ensemble has garnered approval even from the most demanding traditionalist public. Today Concerto Italiano continues to pursue in its investigation of Italian musical culture an unceasing examination of a musical language which is evermore evidently and indissolubly linked to the cultural and linquistic values of 16th and 17th Italy.“

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Added on: Apr 24, 2011 | Hits: 327

"The group "Gaudium et Clamor" was founded in 1996 with the intent to promote the ancient music, dedicating it to the study and again the public to a repertoire that ranges from medieval songs to Renaissance dances. The artist girovago, minstrel, is the figure of medieval times that inspired the character of our group, which seeks to recreate such moments of celebration in both square and on the street among people both medieval dinners and concerts. In respect of philology, we try to interpret the music choices avoiding cold academic operations, not only distant in time, but also by the public. " (Google translation) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 20, 2008 | Hits: 358

"Founded in 1998 by the organist, harpsicordist and music historian Saverio Villa, Cappella Teatina has the aim of rediscovering, revaluating and reproposing the ancient Italian music repertoire of the "Maestri di Cappella" of XVIII century.

The knowledge of the existence of an enormous musical heritage of undoubtable value, which has not yet been explored, is the stimulus of an intense research of the original manuscripts held in numerous libraries both in Italy and abroad. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 255

"Cappella Artemisia, founded in 1991, is an all-women’s vocal ensemble based in Bologna, Italy, and consists of a core of 6-10 singers with continuo. Since its inception the ensemble has received critical and popular praise, both for the rarity and originality of its repertoire, and for the high quality of its performances. It has appeared in concert at such prestigious venues as the Festival of Flanders (Bruges and Alden-Biesen), The Holland Festival of Early Music (Utrecht), Il Festival Monteverdiano di Cremona, the Osterfestival Innsbruck, the WDR Festival der Alten Musik in Herne, the Tage Alter Musik in Regensburg, Women and Music (Chard, UK), Donne in Musica and I Concerti al Quirinale (Rome), Les Fêtes Musicales de Savoie (France), and numerous other important festivals of early music throughout Europe and North America. Its concerts have been broadcast by the radios of Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia and the United States. In addition to their traditional repertoire of music from Italian convents, the singers of the ensemble have also been involved in a modern staging of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas in an all-women’s performance recalling that of 1689 at a fashionable boarding school in Chelsea for “Young Gentlewomen”. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 412

"The Association Musical of the Cantrici Euterpe together with Aquilano Vocal was established in 1994 dedicating themselves from the outset to the study and performance of early music, to this end cooperates with the group instrumental Aquila Altera using only instruments copies of the originals of the era. " (Google translation) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 24, 2008 | Hits: 342

"Bel Fiore Dança is dedicated to ancient music repertoire and popular music, both instrumental and voice ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 18, 2008 | Hits: 284

"The ensemble Babel, formed in 2002, was born with a desire to enhance culture and music of the period commonly called Middle Ages. The musicians in the group, all from other ensemble of ancient music and popular (Sagegreen, Pandemonio, Harmonia Mundi Ensemble, Les Nouveaux Trouvères), un'inedita proposed merger between the medieval and Renaissance music and popular European musical tradition. The ensemble has participated in numerous historical commemorations in northern Italy (Novara, Rhone, Cusago, Castelnuovo), several dinners medieval and Renaissance and has played at various concert music old (Varese, Lecco, Milan, Arona). ... " (Google transl.) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 18, 2008 | Hits: 382

"The activities of the ensemble, which are conducted by the artistic direction of Carlo Ipata, till their beginning in 1997 are characterized by the research on the Tuscan index of the Renaissance and the Baroque Age. Thanks to numerous first modern performances, the productions that have been realized until now have allowed the reconstruction of some important pages of Tuscan musical history, showing the relationships that have been hold between the local and the European composers. ...

The members of AuserMusici, which have a great training and experience in early music, and which come from different Italian towns, meet regularly. They arrange precisely the musical programmes with some musicologists. ...

The productions of AuserMusici are the result of a complex research that addresses a large public by involving musicologists and musicians in the analysis and comparison of original texts. The productions consist of recordings, seminars, lectures/concerts and editions (on paper and online). ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 417

"The Athestis Chorus & Academia de li Musici is the only permanent, large-scale vocal and instrumental ensemble in Italy that specialises in the performance practice of baroque and classical masses, oratories and cantatas. Established in 1993 by its conductor, Filippo Maria Bressan, the ensemble has an extensive repertoire that encompasses composers from the early 17th century to the early 19th century. Committed to researching its repertoire, developing its performance practice and revitalising the early music of Europe, the ensemble has given numerous modern-day performances of long-forgotten masterpieces such as Francesco Cavalli’s Vespro della Beata Vergine and Grande Messa Concertata, Benedetto Marcello’s Miserere, Requiem and Arianna, and Baldassarre Galuppi’s Messa per San Marco. Recordings of these performances have been enthusiastically received in the UK, France, Germany, Canada and Japan. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 283

"Aquila Altera is a vocal and instrumental group that specialises in performing pan-European medieval music. Building on the extensive experience and backgrounds of the performers, Aquila Altera aims to spread and promote the knowledge and education of ancient middle age music and to conduct musical research leading to historically correct performances. To achieve this, the group uses reproduction instruments of the era exclusively, and can consist of 5 to 12 different performers (musicians & vocalists), depending upon the specific needs of its programmes. Their repertoire is principally based on the performance of medieval and renaissance European music; covering monody, polyphony, sacred, secular and instrumental pieces.

Aquila Altera has taken part in numerous concerts, historical revocations and sound tracks for television. Recent performances include: Settimana Internazionale della Musica Medievale e Rinascimentale di Erice; Il Festival"Alia Musica" – Parma Estri d'Estate" Parma; Concerti per il Giubileo - Rome ; Stagione Concertistica Fondazione G.P. da Palestrina - Palestrina RM; il Canto delle Pietre - Lombardia Europa Musica; VII Festival del Teatro Medievale e Rinascimentale di Anagni; "Musica a Corte" - Reggio Emilia; "Echi e Suoni dalla Pieve" - Forlì; "Dalle Palme a San Luca 2002" - Bologna; ”Los Conciertos del Cervantes” - Istituto Cervantes – Roma.

The group is passionate about medieval music and feel that it is very relevant and appropriate in historic events and revocations, because the music is relocated in the proper space and sound of that era. The group has also taken part in numerous medieval festivals throughout Italy.

Aquila Altera, in collaboration with the Le Cantrici di Euterpe (a vocal musical association), performed in several festivals and shows, both in Italy and abroad. In 2000, they recorded a compilation CD of sacred and secular music, "Tempus Transit". Two years later they undertook the recording of "Menando gli Anni". This collection contains medieval and renaissance music from Abruzzo. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 18, 2008 | Hits: 383

"The Apulia Baroque Ensemble, founded by John Rota and Antonio De Crudis, was created in 2005 by the necessity of musicians who share the same interests to create stable training ground dedicated to the study and implementation of passages from the Baroque repertoire, with particular attention to the School Neapolitan composers. ... " (Google translation) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 25, 2008 | Hits: 330

"Antikantus, ... the project is to build a repertoire of music medieval Sicilian or having reference to Sicily or the Mediterranean world, investigating the musical traditions of Spain, Provence, North Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East. ... " (Google translation) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 18, 2008 | Hits: 321

"Antica Consonanza is an ensemble formed in 1987 by musicians with decades of experience in the field of Renaissance and Baroque music, focusing on musical production of the Middle Ages.

The instruments were largely designed and reconstructed in collaboration with the maker Pasquale Scala (Praiano, SA) on the basis of iconographic sources. In some cases are used medieval instruments still in use in the Mediterranean music. ... " (translated ed.) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 18, 2008 | Hits: 319

"Anima Mundi Consort, formed in 2003, groups various performers with extensive experience in the field of Period Music. The ensemble performs using solely original instruments from the chosen period and collaborates with renowned experts in the fields of research and interpretation of Ancient Music and also in the reconstruction of period instruments. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 18, 2008 | Hits: 320

“Guido Morini and Marco Beasley founded Accordone in 1984, motivated by a great passion for the music before Bach, for original instruments and for a new musicological approach to problems of interpretation. At the heart of their work is Italian music for voice and basso continuo from the 16th and 17th centuries. The voice of Marco Beasley, immediately recognizable for its beautiful timbre, in perfect stylistic balance with the instruments which accompany him, is the ideal companion for the profound knowledge of instrumental, improvisational and compositional questions cultivated by Guido Morini, and make Accordone a unique ensemble on the European scene.”

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Added on: Oct 14, 2011 | Hits: 281

"The Accademia Strumentale Italiana was born in Verona in 1981 with the intent to recreate the atmosphere of ancient and illustrious academies. The repertoire is the vocal and instrumental music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. " (transl. (ed.) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 386

"The name of Accademia Bizantina has been firmly established in the narrow circle of ensembles performing on authentic instruments who are rightly recognised as bringing fresh energy and creativity to the interpretation of Baroque music. The path which has led Accademia to its current international success resembles an apologue of over twenty years of instructive formation within the Italian musical world of the highest professional skill and competence. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 415

"Antonio Piricone (1977), is one of the most exciting Italian musician of the younger generation whose personal approach, both as a pianist and an exponent on historical keyboard instruments, is commanding increasing attention internationally. His interpretative skills, versatility, keen sense of style, technical agility and integrity to the score distinguish him both as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician.

After his initials studies in Catania, Antonio Piricone has mastered his musical education attending the piano and chamber music stages of Bruno Canino, Chantal de Buchy, Andrzej Jasinsky, and most recently with Andreas Staier on historical keyboard instruments.

His achievements has lead him to performing through Europe and Japan with leading orchestras and ensembles, singers, soloists and conductors. Hes has appeared at major venues and in renowned music festivals and concert series to the great acclaim of critics and audiences alike. These include Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, Teatro Alighieri in Ravenna, Prague Spring International Music Festival, Dvořak Hall in Prague, Prinzregentetheater in Munich, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, De Vereeniging Concertgebouw Nijmegen & Vredenburg Muziek Centrum Utrecht in Holland, Offerta Musicale Ensemble, Munich Symphony Orchestra, Aargau Symphony Orchestra, Czech Chamber Philharmonic, to name but a few. ...

Antonio works currently in the Netherlands where he focuses on his research on the development and evolution of historical keyboard instruments and performance practice with Jacques Ogg, Patrick Ayrton, Stanley Hoogland and Bart van Oort at the Royal Conservatory on The Hague (NL), and with Andreas Staier in Cologne (D). " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 390

“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: 396

“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: 448

"Bray Baroque is a group of musicians centred in Bray and devoted to promoting

* the appreciation of Classical Music with courses, conferences, recitals
* the authentic interpretation of Western Music, from the Middle Ages to the Romanticism
* the links between Ancient Music and Irish Folk Music

in the Republic of Ireland, with the main focus in County Wicklow and South Dublin. " Visit website for more information.

Added on: Jan 15, 2009 | Hits: 298

“Our mission is to promote and encourage the performance and appreciation of Early Music, principally but not exclusively in East Cork.

By the term "Early Music" we understand music composed before 1750, performed with instruments appropriate to the period. We aim to integrate the authentic style and spirit of an earlier time with performances which are vital and coherent in the present. Therefore, later music may be included and connections made to contemporary music, traditional music from various cultures, non-written-down forms of music, and other art forms such as dance, theatre, literature, visual art, film etc. In this way, we acknowledge 'Early Music' as a vital root of our present culture.

East Cork Early Music will work to nurture and support Irish and Irish-based musicians at every level, as well as attracting specialist performers from overseas. Our audiences should be both local and international. We will promote concerts of the highest quality and innovation. Together with concerts we will create an educational programme consisting of intensive masterclasses, lectures and school performances. Theses are aimed at a wide range of students: from primary school-children to college level and adults, both music students and non-specialists. We will encourage participation in masterclasses by those who are new to Early Music performance, as well as by those already specializing in it.“

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Added on: May 03, 2010 | Hits: 491

"The Esterházy Ensemble, directed by Michael Brüssing has chosen its name from the famous Hungarian noble family. The group has, for several years now, specialized on the music for barytone (viola di bordone) and viola da gamba at the court of Esterházy - and its aim is, to make this little known facet of classical chamber music more acquainted to a broader public. Concerts at festivals (also the 'original sites' at Palace Esterházy in Fertőd, Hungary and Eisenstadt, Austria), radio and TV productions, CDs with CPO/SWR, Cavalli Records and Brillant Classics show the acceptance of these efforts. The complete recording of all works written by Joseph Haydn for the barytone was recorded within two years and published in February 2009. The musicians of the group all have a lot of experience with diverse period instrumental formations throughout Europe. ... "

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Added on: Aug 04, 2008 | Hits: 419