EarlyMusicNews.Org

“For over 20 years, this baroque ensemble has been a fixture in the world of early music. With a large dose of experience and class, the musicians of this ensemble, directed by Jan De Winne and Marcel Ponseele, have been able to steal many musical hearts. Depending on the repertoire Il Gardellino works in a different formation, but they always get on stage with a top casting: both established musicians and emerging young talent, from home and abroad.”

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Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 424

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: 399

"Les Muffatti came into being to satisfy the need felt by several young Brussels musicians — with an eye to performing Baroque orchestral repertoire — to establish a professional working environment where the basic pleasure of music-making, the refinement of skills, and the investigation of content could be equably combined. Their enthusiasm, application and idealism resonated with Baroque specialist Peter van Heyghen, who joined the ensemble as permanent coach and conductor. They presented their debut concert in Brussels in 2004, and have since performed in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal. They have appeared numerous times in the Concertgebouw in Bruges, at the Musica Sacra festival in Maastricht, and at the renowned Early Music festivals in Bruges and Utrecht. Between 2007 and 2009 they will be one of the ensembles in residence at the Augustinus Music Centre in Antwerpen.

The ensemble's name refers to the cosmopolitan composer Georg Muffat (1653-1704), a key figure in the orchestra's history, and one of the first writers to describe in detail the great stylistic differences between French and Italian Baroque music. Les Muffatti's first recording was devoted to the works of this composer. "

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Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 473

“RICERCAR CONSORT – PHILIPPE PIERLOT

« Aux paroles exprimées dans le chant, la musique apporte son pouvoir sur les passions humaines, sa vertu purificatrice et sa transcendance » (Cantagrel)

In 1985, the Ricercar Consort made their first tour with  J.S. Bach’s« Musicalisches Opfer », and is rapidly internationally known  for it’s interpretation of cantatas and instrumental music of the German Baroque ; numerous concerts are given with famous artists like Henri Ledroit, Max van Egmond and James Bowman.
  
For the last few years,Philippe Pierlot has been directing the ensemble, alterning chamber music and orchestral productions ,where eventually the viola da gamba has an important place.

Their recordings encounter enthousiastic reactions both by the public or international press : “De Aeternitate” with the counter-tenor Carlos Mena received the “Diapason of the Year 2002” award and started a fructuous collaboration between Ricercar Consort and the label Mirare directed by René Martin in France. Fantazias for the viols, Stabat Mater by Vivaldi  and Pergolesi, or  “Valoroso”, italian chamber music by Bertali, Bach cantatas recordings,  and recently Bach’s Magnificat  (Gramophones’ Editor Choice): with never ending passion the ensemble brings these works to the audiences of  the most important ancient music festivals of the world with extreme professionalism.

“Vielleicht wird so ja im Himmel musiziert...der Vorschein einer besseren Welt“
Die Zeit 2009“

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Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 449

“Scherzi Musicali is one of the notable young ensembles in the world of early music. It was founded and is directed by Nicolas Achten, one of the few classical singers accompanied by himself (on lute, harp, harpsichord), reviving this old practice. A “moveable feast”, Scherzi Musicali brings together young singers and instrumentalists like Nicolas, willing to rethink the approach to early music and seeking to serve it with a more genuine concern for musicological relevance. If getting down mainly to rehear a heritage left behind, they do not forsake the key works of the repertoire, both secular music, sacred or opera.

Since 2006, Scherzi Musicali has performed in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and England: Festival van Vlaanderen, De Bijloke (eg. a "Featuring concert" with Emma Kirkby), Concertgebouw Brugge, De Singel, Bozar, Festival Wallonia, The Automne Musical de Spa, Operadagen Rotterdam, Amia Strasbourg, Festival Baroque de Pontoise, etc...

Scherzi Musicali dedicates its debut discography to unpublished works on CD. "l’Euridice" by Giulio Caccini (the first opera ever printed), and the album " Dulcis Amor Iesu " (motets of Giovanni Felice Sances), were published on the Ricercar label. Each of their records has generated genuine enthusiasm from the international press: Joker by Crescendo, The Key ResMusica, Prelude Classics Award 2009, 4-star World Music, 5 Diapason, Muse Golden Ring Classic Info, "Outstanding" in International Record Review...

In September 2011, the album "Petits Motets" will be released, dedicated to the Belgian composer Joseph-Hector Fiocco (Label Musique in Wallonie, collection “inédits”). They then inaugurate their collaboration with the Alpha label with "La Catena d’Adone" by Domenico Mazzocchi (the first Roman opera) to be published in Februari,2012.

Scherzi Musicali is supported by the French Community of Belgium (General Directorate for Culture, Department of Music) and the Commune of Ixelles.“

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Added on: Feb 03, 2012 | Hits: 209

“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: 392

“… ANIMA – musica mundana humana et instrumentalis is now nearing its twentieth anniversary. The group's concerts are the result of intensive research into performance based on the music of non-lettered communities located far from urban centers in Brazil, and the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Europe. ANIMA constantly weaves dialog between ethnomusicology, historical musicology, and contemporary hermeneutics and theater, thus staging a musical story in which time is non- linear, with presentation and stage as ritualized space-time for musical realization in the full sense of the term. Europe's Middle Ages and Renaissance come together on the stage in the music of Brazil's non-urban oral tradition, with arrangements devised by the performers themselves, or proposed by members of the group and their guests. Their repertoire is structured and arranged on the basis of a central theme in a space-time-instrument intersection, using the language of chamber music to stage ongoing dialog between past and present, popular and classical culture.

The group has recorded the following CDs: Espiral do Tempo, winner of the 1997 Brazilian Popular Music Award in the category 'best instrumental CD', and the (1998) São Paulo Art Critics Association (APCA) award in the category 'best chamber-music ensemble'. In 1999, as part of the commemorations of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil, Anima recorded the CD Teatro do Descobrimento, conceived and directed by singer Anna Maria Kieffer. In 2000, Especiarias (CD) won the 5th Carlos Gomes Award for classical music (made by the State of São Paulo Secretariat for Culture) in the category 'best chamber-music ensemble'. Amares (CD) was sponsored by REDE electric company in 2003. Espelho (CD and DVD) was produced 2006 – 2008 and both were sponsored exclusively by PETROBRAS. …”

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Added on: Nov 28, 2011 | Hits: 225

"Aradia is a period instrument ensemble specialising in the repertoire of seventeenth century France and England, and in contemporary music written for period instruments. Aradia is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Aradia has made eight recordings for Naxos Records, has toured internationally, and has a busy local concert season at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto."

Added on: Apr 13, 2007 | Hits: 515

"Banquo plays (mostly) folk music and early music from (mostly) all over Europe, (mostly) from about the 12th century to present day.

We started out in the summer/fall of 1998, playing primarily Irish traditional music, and wanting to explore a fusion with early music. Since then, our vision has expanded dramatically to include basically, whatever we want. :) Part of the philosophy is that we refuse to be pigeonhole-able, which would tend to restrict us to a particular tradition or time period. And we're not willing to be so restricted. All this music is too interesting to leave behind just because it doesn't "fit" in some way. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 435

"Born in France, where he began his musical studies in violin and composition at the Conservatoire National de Region of Rueil Malmaison. From there he went on to specialize in Medieval and Renaissance music, studying medieval fiddle, ancient bagpipes, and voice. After studies with Marco Horvat, Jasmin Martorell and Lucie Jolivet at the Centre de Musique Medievale in Paris, he moved to Switzerland where he currently studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. He collaborates regularly with many musicians in various ensembles including Millenarium (Thierry Gomar and Christophe Deslignes), Leones (Marc Lewon), La Morra (Corina Marti, Michal Gondko), Les Jardins de Courtoisie (Anne Quentin) and Vox Suavis (Dominque Vellard and Ana. "

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Added on: Apr 18, 2008 | Hits: 486

"Founded by Francis Colpron in 1991, Les Boréades de Montréal focuses on early music. The ensemble has chosen an interpretative approach in keeping with the spirit of the Baroque era, by adhering to the rules of performance practice of the past and playing on period instruments. Critics and audiences alike in Canada and abroad have been unanimous in hailing the group’s energy and spontaneity as well as its theatrical, expressive and elegant playing, indicative of a unique flair for Baroque aesthetics. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 435

"The Chris Norman Ensemble brings to life the energetic traditional dance music of Maritime Canada, Scotland, & Ireland with an emphasis on exploring points of contact with the music's roots in 16th-19th century Europe. The Ensemble's programs combine originality, intelligence, fun, and sheer mastery that have won them respect from audiences, presenters, and colleagues alike in North America, Europe and Asia.

At the heart of the group is Chris Norman, who's brilliant and imaginative flute playing has contributed to groups as diverse as the The Baltimore Consort, Skyedance, Helicon, Chatham Baroque, Concerto Caledonia, as well as Hollywood soundtracks and seven solo recordings. His influential work as a performer, composer, recording artist, educator, and director of the Boxwood Festival & Workshop has played a significant role in reviving the flute in traditional Scottish and Canadian music.

The Ensemble's extraordinary range runs the gamut from dynamic performances headlining international folk festivals to programs for some of North America's most prestigious chamber and early music societies and universities. With flutes, pipes, guitar, mandolin, mandola, harmonium, bass, percussion, drums & vocals, the Ensemble reaches across five centuries of traditional, renaissance and baroque music with a range of energetic programs. Education and public service is at the core of the group's values, and they regularly incorporate workshops, school programs, and community outreach into their tours. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 402

"Constantinople is a performing ensemble that draws its inspiration from the music of the Mediterranean, Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and Middle-Eastern musical traditions. Constantinople presents a new form of musical expression, born of a wellspring of transformation and integration of divers traditions from the Middle Ages and today, from here and abroad.

The ensemble provides a forum for cross-fertilization among various musical cultures, both within the ensemble itself and with its guest artists. Constantinople endeavours to consolidate the ties among these cultures by cultivating a unique mode of musical expression -a musical vocabulary that has grown out of extensive research into the history and esthetics of the musical traditions into which it delves, combined with freshness and creativity.

Constantinople has given numerous performances in Canada, in Mexico and in Europe. Last two years, the ensemble has been performing in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Greece, Lebanon, Mexico and Canada among others. Many of these have been broadcast on the CBC/Radio-Canada radio network. Winners of the Discovery of the Year Award from Opus Gala in 2003, Constantinople have been the Ensemble in residence at Radio-Canada for the 2004-2005 season. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 06, 2008 | Hits: 424

"Early Music Studio was formed in 1987. Since then we have performed in concerts on period instruments exclusively, and recorded over seven hours of music written between 1580-1985. Our recording program began in the mid-1980's and continues with new web-only material in August and October 2004, February and December 2005 and May 2006. " ...

Added on: Aug 17, 2007 | Hits: 374

"The Early Music Studio of Saint John is a new venture providing local musicians - both amateur and professional - with educational and performance programs about the music of the 16th to 18th centuries, the period of the first exploration and settlement of our region from the first voyage of Jacques Cartier in 1534 to the arrival of the Loyalists in 1783. The Early Music Studio seeks through its performances to offer the community the opportunity to experience the "soundtrack" of our early history. The adventurous spirit and energy of the early explorers and settlers is reflected in this lively, colourful music, as the composers of the time charted new realms of musical expression to create works which still have the power to entertain and move us today.

In keeping with the historical focus of the music, the Early Music Studio takes the stage in a number of Saint John's landmark heritage buildings. These dramatic performance spaces provide a fitting, historic backdrop for the performances of the Early Music Studio. " ...

Added on: Aug 17, 2007 | Hits: 441

"Artistic Director , Julie Harris, returned to Calgary in 1999. Her experience as a performer (soprano) and connections to other performers across the country gave her the idea of starting a new series in her native city. Now entering its seventh season, the Early Music Voices Concert Society offers a varied and interesting line-up of performers who specialize in early music repertoire. Each year the series aims to present touring early music groups, while also being committed to presenting local and regional performers, and creating joint projects with visiting artists. In essence the series is dedicated to presenting music from Bach's time and before in a stylish, historically informed way. ..."

Added on: Aug 06, 2007 | Hits: 443

"Ensemble Anonymus was formed in Québec City in 1978 by a group of young professional performers under the leadership of Claude Bernatchez, the group’s founder and musical director. Their passionate interest in early music led them to attempt to recreate the musical traditions of medieval Europe. Today, the long list of their concerts and original shows, along with a series of high-quality recordings, testifies to their achievements and the level of artistic excellence they have attained. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 18, 2008 | Hits: 430

""If music be the food of love, sing on, sing on, 'till I am filled with joy!" -- This is the first line of a song by Henry Purcel inspired by Shakespeare. It is a good summation of our approach to music. Don't do it unless it feels good. In spite of, or probably because of this, we continue to perfect our musical capacities.

One problem with history is that it is often distant and foreign. Our approach to early music is to embody it with our manner and costumes, to give it a living, feeling, human face. When performing our music, we strive to encompass both its sublime beauty and its earthy humour; and all the other human experiences that come between. ...

The largest proportion of performances have been accompanied by sumptuous feasting and drinking. Our preferred venues are intimate country restaurants accommodating from thirty to fifty revelers where we provide music with each service (or "remove" as the Elizabeathans would say). Typically we sing between twenty-five and thirty songs at a feast of five or six courses. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 420

"Based in Montreal, Ensemble Caprice, under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute and Sophie Larivière, is renowned for its innovative interpretations of baroque music. Originally formed in Germany in 1986, the ensemble continues to give concerts in Europe and has appeared at the Vlaanderen Festival in Bruges, Belgium, the Netwerk-Reihe of the Organisatie voor Oude Muziek in The Netherlands, the International Recorder Symposium in Stuttgart, the Recorder Festival in Stockstadt, and the Ancient Music Rencontres in Heidelberg. During 2005, the ensemble made its U.S. debut at the Boston Early Music Festival concert series and recently completed a successful tour of the West Coast and New England. The ensemble will tour Israel in the Fall of 2006 and plans are underway for a visit to Japan in 2007. Closer to home in Canada, the ensemble has its own concert series at Redpath Hall in Montreal and was recently nominated for the Conseil Québécois de la Musique's prestigious Prix Opus award in three different categories, including best early music concert and CD. A new recording featuring the music of Fux, Caldera and Badia will be released on the ATMA Classique label during 2006. " Visit website for more information. (ed)

Added on: Mar 23, 2008 | Hits: 439

"Ensemble Claude-Gervaise is a group of musicians who specialise in the interpretation of early music as well as early music instruments. " (transl. ed.) See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 451

“Recordare consists of four inspired musicians who began playing together in 2010.

Under the guidance of McGill University’s world-renowned Early Music department, they discovered a wonderful rapport with one another and common approach to expression. Always looking for diverse sonorities and textures, Recordare has explored and performed a wide variety of styles and composers. Though they have focused on Italian music of the seventeenth century, the ensemble recently found an affinity with the music of Giuseppe Sammartini. Committed to a performance more thrilling than the printed page leads us to believe, the ensemble strives to reflect the “science, originality and fire” that Charles Burney found so striking in these works.

With their proposal of recording Sammartini’s chamber music, Recordare has been named one of the six finalist groups of the Early Music America/Naxos 2011 Recording Competition. The ensemble was also awarded 2nd place in the 2011 Festival de Musique Classique de Pierre-De Saurel chamber music competition.”

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Added on: Jan 21, 2012 | Hits: 225

“Young early musical ensemble devoted to the repertoire of the  XII-XIVth centuries. The group is interested in reliving the multiple aspects of the repertoire of the day from the motet to vernacular song.

Some of the instruments used by the ensemble were constructed by Bruno Cognyl-Fournier, Robert Gagnon et Micheline Racicot.“

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Added on: Apr 23, 2010 | Hits: 364

"Over a 25-year history, the Exultate Chamber Singers have garnered praise from all quarters for sensitive, precise and seamless performances. The choir was established in 1981, when conductor John Tuttle brought together a group of graduating university students who wanted to continue performing choral music at a high standard. The choir is enriched not only by the excellent musicianship of its members but also by their varied academic and professional backgrounds. Together, they form a passionate, committed ensemble with a wide-ranging repertoire." ...

Added on: Feb 03, 2007 | Hits: 766

"Shunning the traditional concert-going experience, I FURIOSI Baroque Ensemble is revolutionising the face of Canadian early music. This group of four inspired and informed musicians performs programmes of music rarely heard on stage with an unparalleled and unusual fervour and sex-appeal. Having studied at institutions including University of Indiana at Bloomington, University of Toronto, McGill University, International Baroque Institute at Longy and The Banff Centre, these daring musicians bring their skill and expertise to new audiences, and are the edgy new voice in the early music world. The configuration of string trio and soprano allows a wide range of repertoire to be performed. I FURIOSI performs in Canada, the United States and abroad, and plans to expand to other venues in the coming years. In its Toronto concert series, the ensemble invokes the “bizarre and unnatural” aesthetic of the Baroque era, both cherished and despised in its time."

Added on: Apr 15, 2007 | Hits: 425

" 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: 390