EarlyMusicNews.Org

"The Purcell Choir and Orfeo Orchestra have been performing continuously since their foundation in Budapest. The chief conductor and artistic director of both ensembles is György Vashegyi, but they have also given concerts with guest conductors such as Nicholas McGegan and Howard Williams. The choir consists of 20-45 young soloists; the orchestra plays - on period instruments - with 15-45 members, and has undertaken successful tours in Austria (Vienna/Salzburg, “Toujours Mozart” 2004, 2005), Germany (Dresden, "Festspiele" 1993), France (Paris, "Festival d'Art Sacré" 1995, "Festival Périgord-Noir" 2001, etc.), Belgium (Namur, Europalia 1999), Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Israel (Rishon LeZion Spring Festival 2001) and South America. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 29, 2008 | Hits: 375

"Enthusiastic and experienced players of all ages meeting in Coventry, from as far afield as Yorkshire and Bedfordshire. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 30, 2008 | Hits: 340

"The 18th Century Concert Orchestra communicates the brilliance and drama of baroque music, combining period instruments, candlelight and resplendent 18th-century attire to present a uniquely atmospheric recreation of 18th-century musical life.

A typical evening: the scene is set by Mr. Holt, dedicated Master of Candles, providing illumination before the musicians appear in their strikingly colourful costumes. The assembled band, comprised of fiddlers, hautboys and harpsichordist, bow gracefully and soon launch into a striking overture – perhaps one of Don Antonio Vivaldi's (designed to arrest the attention of a packed and noisy Venetian opera house). Concertos, arias and dance suites are interspersed with informative and witty anecdotes drawn from 18th-century histories, journals and treatises. Such sources also inform our programming as they often make mention of popular works scarcely known today (e.g. comic overtures). Baroque classics feature alongside these rare items. The authentic 18th-century elements: period instruments, wooden music desks, individually tailored shoes and costumes, mohair wigs, candlelight and readings.

Since its foundation in 2001 the orchestra has played in theatres, concert halls, churches and stately homes across the UK and further afield (including a 2 week tour of Canada). Their endeavours have earned them a National Lottery award and Arts Council England recognition, and a performance of Handel's Messiah was filmed for two television programmes in the recent Channel 4 series Georgian Underworld. Appearances also include: Blenheim Palace, Holywell Music Room (Oxford), Great Witley Church, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Stroud Subscription Room, and Theatre Royal Bath, where they give two performances of Handel's Messiah to sell-out houses every year. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 343

"Harmony of Nations is a period-instrument orchestra of young musicians from all over Europe, specialising in the music of the Baroque era. They got to know each other during the year they spent touring as members of the European Union Baroque Orchestra (EUBO), and decided that the experience was too rewarding for it not to continue.

While with EUBO, the musicians performed under the direction of some of the finest Baroque musicians in Europe: Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Ton Koopman and Andrew Manze. They gave concerts all over Europe including Paris, London, Prague and Amsterdam, playing music ranging from Biber, Purcell and Charpentier, to Bach, Telemann, Handel, Rameau and Zelenka. They also made a recording of the Handel cantata Ero e Leandro with the Polish soprano Iwona Sobotka, First Prize Winner Laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition of Belgium, 2004. Rehearsing and touring in such a concentrated way gave their playing a depth and energy that they carry forward into the new independent orchestra.

The 20 founding members of the orchestra come from 14 different nations: Austria, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales. Many have also lived and studied in countries other than their own. It is this incredible diversity of cultural heritage and musical experience that gives Harmony of Nations its unique character, and a vivacity that echoes the hectic pace of modern European life while simultaneously reigniting a common musical heritage. " View website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 399

"The Irish Baroque Orchestra is Ireland’s only professional period instrument orchestra. Established in 1996 by Mark Duley and Thérèse Timoney, the Irish Baroque Orchestra has worked with many of the world’s greatest baroque players. Amongst the orchestra’s members are the most acclaimed young players in the international early music scene, many of whom work with the world’s finest ensembles. Using either baroque instruments or modern replicas, the orchestra explores the playing techniques and stylistic practices associated with music from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and gives Irish audiences the rare and precious opportunity to hear this music in live performances that recreate the vivid colours and textures of the baroque sound world.

The orchestra presents four seasons of concerts annually along with a number of one off events. Such an arrangement allows for the most effective development of the ensemble’s sound and the players’ skills, as well as facilitating themed programming. In addition, each season includes a week of education initiatives, in conjunction with Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama. These seasons form the backbone of the orchestra’s work, its development and its artistic profile. Central to each season is a guest leader/director of international standing. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 396

"Concerto Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s leading period instrument ensemble. Also known as "CoCo", the ensemble has since its establishment in 1991 become known for its lively and captivating performances and has become a favorite among audiences wherever it goes.

In 1999 the internationally acclaimed harpsichord player Lars Ulrik Mortensen became the ensemble’s artistic director. Mortensen is considered to be one of the leading harpsichordists and chamber musicians of our day.

With Lars Ulrik Mortensen as principal leader and artistic director, CoCo has embarked on an exciting artistic and musical journey, combining lesser-known repertoire of Scandinavian origin with the repertoire of the baroque and classical legacy, thus adding a fresh and Nordic flavor to the traditional concert repertoire. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 475

"LA PETITE BANDE (Belgium) was founded in 1972 by Sigiswald Kuijken at the request of the record company Deutsche Harmonia Mundi in order to record Lully's "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", under the direction of Gustav Leonhardt.

The orchestra takes its name and constitution from Lully's own orchestra at the court of Louis XIV.All its members are internationally renowned specialists in the early music field. Although originally La Petite Bande was not meant to become a permanent orchestra, the success of the recordings was such that they began to give concerts regularly. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 560

"The English Concert is among the finest chamber orchestras in the world, with a reputation for outstanding interpretations of Baroque and Classical music in the concert hall and on CD.

Each season we present a prestigious series of concerts in London, at Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall, appearing also at major London festivals, including the BBC Proms, the Spitafields Festival and the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 399

"The Bach Players is a collective of like-minded musicians who are drawn together by their passion for the music of J.S. Bach: our enduring inspiration and the apotheosis of the Baroque. We play on original instruments and all vocal music is sung in its original language. We play without a conductor, and with forces that are as small as possible (mostly single strings and single voices). A genuine spirit of enquiry and reassessment pervades all aspects of our performance. Founded in 1996, we established a series of programmes of Bach cantatas in St John’s Wood Parish Church in London. There we began to introduce some of these lesser-known works to a wider audience. As a result of this we have been invited to play all over Britain and have built up a faithful following. In 1999 we were invited to perform the St John Passion for the opening of the Berliner Bachtage. We have recently started to make programmes in which Bach is linked to other composers. " View website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 499

"Le Concert Spirituel was the first and most prestigious institutions of public concert in France in the eighteenth century (1725-1789). Known across Europe, it attracted the greatest virtuosos and major composers of the time. The programming was bold: french heritage and the most original creations; most eclectic genres were played (entertainment, excerpts from operas, cantatas, grands motets, symphonies, sonatas and concertos). The mass impressive soloists, singers and instrumentalists - more than a hundred! -- brought together the best performers that France had so…

It is a tribute to this historic institution that Hervé Niquet chooses to baptize "Le Concert Spirituel"created in 1987. There breathes the same ambition, same commitment, the same eclecticism and - most importantly - the same team spirit. For all these reasons, Le Concert Spirituel has become one of the sets of reference for the interpretation of Baroque music on period instruments, working closely in this respect to the actions of the Baroque Music Center of Versailles and occurring regularly the Chapel and the Opera du Chateau de Versailles. ... " (Google translation) Visit website for more information (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 315

"The Belmont Ensemble is a highly flexible group with a dedicated core of string players for baroque music; it can adapt to encompass forces for large romantic concertos and choral works, to contemporary commissions. All across the country's musical spectrum, former Belmont Ensemble players can be found: Past Leaders now play with the LSO, and Royal Opera House, and former continuo players are now working with ENO and the BBC Symphony, Philharmonic, and Concert Orchestras. Current members of the Ensemble also play with leading British orchestras including The Philharmonia, LPO, LSO and RPO, CBSO, Britten Sinfonia, Hanover Band, English Concert and OAE. Soloists with the orchestra have included former winners of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competitions and many outstanding international artists.

The highly versatile violinist, Anna Bradley, who has been working with the Ensemble for the past ten years, leads the Ensemble. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 299

"Founded in 1999 out of the "Courses of professional training on the interpretation of early music" (promoted by the Friends of Verona Conservatory and the Veneto Region with funding from the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Verona, Vicenza, Belluno e Ancona), the orchestra Il Tempio Armonico is made up of young musicians who play on historical instruments under the artistic and musical direction of Alberto Rasi. It is named after the Veronese concert season during which it gave its first performances.

Il Tempio Armonico was specially created to tackle the large orchestral repertory of the 17th and 18th centuries. It uses the instruments employed at the time, applies all the practical, theoretical, historical and aesthetic knowledge that permits one to tackle this repertory in accordance with the most authentic performance practice, and (what is even more important) aims to recreate all of the music's original appeal and vitality. Through its constant research Il Tempio Armonico has rediscovered (or reinterpreted under a different light) many fundamental works of the European musical scene, and has particularly explored the formidable artistic production that flourished in the territories of the Venetian Republic. This research began with the great Veronese musician Evaristo Felice Dall’Abaco (1675-1742), whose complete instrumental works have been presented on disc and in concert. It is due to be extended to other Veneto composers, including (of course) the most representative of all: Antonio Vivaldi. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 13, 2008 | Hits: 461

"The ensemble I Virtuosi delle Muse, founded in Cremona in 2002 by Stefano Molardi, was established with the intent of interpreting and recording the vocal-instrumental Italian and German repertoire of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries using period instruments and by examining the stylistic aspects of antique execution practices. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 13, 2008 | Hits: 690

"Linden Baroque is a unique and much loved part of the British Early Music movement. Formed in 1982 by a group of early music enthusiasts in the front room of a house in Linden Gardens, Chiswick, (London) it combined the talents of a band of music students, young professionals and talented amateurs. Many of the original members now have prominent careers in the early music field and many of the dilettantes are still playing with the band.

It was one of the only 'original instrument' orchestras at that time to offer the opportunity of amateurs and professionals playing together; the newly emerging Early Music field had few boundaries and rules and everybody learned together how to tame their instruments and develop the performance styles.

Linden Baroque has kept true to its roots and to this day provides a very useful experience for many types of player; the advanced baroque instrument student from the colleges or from private teachers - we usually have at least one student from abroad (Israel, USA, Croatia, Spain, Argentina, Italy etc) playing with us -, the 'modern instrument' professional player making the transition to the baroque playing style, young professionals gaining experience 'between jobs' and talented dilettantes. We always play under an established leader and continuo player and many well-known professionals happily give up their time to play with Linden Baroque either as soloist or within the orchestra. The mixture of personnel within the band ensures that its spirited performances are always of high quality. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 15, 2008 | Hits: 453

"Acclaimed by music critics as one of the finest period-instrument orchestras in the world, The Hanover Band has established an unrivalled reputation for the excellence of its performances and recordings of 18th and 19th century music. The orchestra has recently made two new appointments, Paul Brough becoming Principal Conductor and Andrew Arthur Associate Director, with immediate effect. Their list of principal conductors & guest directors over previous years reads like a Who’s Who of period instrument interpretation – Monica Huggett, Sir Charles Mackerras, Roy Goodman, Anthony Halstead, Nicholas McGegan, Richard Egarr, Nicholas Kraemer, Graham Lea-Cox, Jeffrey Skidmore & Adrian Butterfield. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 15, 2008 | Hits: 475

"Devon Baroque is a professional chamber orchestra with a reputation for exuberant and polished performances of music from the Seventeenth and Eighteenth centuries. The leader and director is Margaret Faultless, an artist of international standing.

In six seasons of a remarkable 50 concerts, Devon Baroque has established itself as the foremost chamber orchestra in the South West specialising in music of the baroque period. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 349

"Leeds Baroque is a period-instrument performance group based in West Yorkshire. It is directed by Peter Holman (Professor of Historical Musicology in the University of Leeds School of Music), who is renowned as Director of the Parley of Instruments and Opera Restor’d).

Members of Leeds Baroque are drawn from professional and non-professional players with students from the region’s music colleges. Free workshops given by leaders in the field of baroque performance practice provide training, and the funds available are used to enable members of the orchestra to perform concerts with internationally renowned soloists. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 625

"The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is a world renowned orchestra which plays on original instruments to bring out the very best of classical music as it was intended to be heard.

Its players lead the Orchestra themselves with a commitment, enjoyment and energy which translates directly into the quality, vitality and dynamism of each performance.

The Orchestra has chosen to have no permanent music director; this flexibility allows it to work with some of the world's greatest conductors and soloists across a wide range of music.

The Orchestra's uniquely versatile and pioneering spirit of music making encourages a warmth and involvement which makes every performance an edge-of-the-seat experience for performers and audiences alike. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 425

"Baroque music retains its special role for the FBO – even after twenty years. While the “Freiburgers” have meanwhile earned a reputation as interpreters of classical, romantic and even contemporary music, the Baroque in the orchestra’s name is still more than merely a description of an epoch: it stands for the musicians’ practical performance perspective as well as for their pleasure in musicianship and cultivated, virtuoso ensemble playing.

The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra has conquered the world’s best known concert halls with this musical self-image. From the Baroque perspective, the music of the 18th and 19th century, in particular, sounds young and modern and not at all like old music, but as immediate as if the ink on the music sheets was still damp. This is perhaps what James R. Oestreich meant when he enthused, in the New York Times in March 2007: “The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, familiar from […] opera recordings and other notable projects, may be the liveliest ensemble now on the international early-music scene.”

The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra’s prominent status in international musical life is expressed both in its continuous collaboration with significant artists such as Andreas Staier, Thomas Quasthoff, Cecilia Bartoli and René Jacobs, as well as in a close collaboration with the French recording label harmonia mundi France, and is successfully reflected in numerous CD productions and outstanding awards. Hence, only recently, a survey of journalists in the magazine Opernwelt presented the FBO with its “Orchestra of the Year 2007” award.

Under the artistic direction of its two concert masters Gottfried von der Goltz and Petra Müllejans, or under the baton of selected conductors, with about one hundred appearances each year the FBO performs in differing formations ranging from chamber music to opera orchestra: a self-administrated ensemble with its own subscription concerts in Freiburg’s Konzerthaus, Stuttgart’s Liederhalle and Berlin’s Philharmonie, as well as with worldwide tours. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 541

"The Welsh Baroque Orchestra (director, Andrew Wilson-Dickson) was formed in 1992 as a development of the amateur period group 'The Eighteenth-Century Singers and Players', which met for weekend courses in baroque playing, often under the guidance of Catherine Mackintosh. Since the early 90s, the Welsh Baroque Orchestra has given professional concerts from St David's in West Wales to Llandaf Cathedral to Bristol, making its first recording in 2000. In June 2003 it was relaunched to critical acclaim and, thanks to a grant from the Welsh Assembly Government, pursues a more intensive musical life across Wales and beyond. See our current concert plans.

The Welsh Baroque Orchestra is flexible, its size varying to fit the variety of earlier repertoire which is its speciality. From a few strings and continuo (harpsichord or organ and/or theorbo), the group can grow to 30 players, with wind and brass as needed. Its musical aim is vivid and exciting music-making through historical awareness, using period instruments alongside the stylistic techniques that go with them. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 434

"Contrasto Armonico is an orchestra which focuses on early music, especially music composed in the Italian style. It was founded in 2004 by Marta Semkiw and Marco Vitale (artistic director and conductor), and established with the support of De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek. The orchestra is made up of young professional musicians from all over the world who meet regularly in Holland. The birth of the orchestra was celebrated in Delft (NL) with two productions of Handel operas: “Siroe, Re di Persia” and “Lotario”. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 484

"The COLLEGIUM MUSICUM Den Haag is an exceptional baroque orchestra comprised of young, talented, energetic musicians who trained at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague in The Netherlands. These musicians were drawn to the Conservatoire from all over the world in order to study with the finest, most respected musicians in Baroque music today. In 2006, united under the direction of Brazilian harpsichordist Claudio Ribeiro, the COLLEGIUM MUSICUM Den Haag was formed; matching precision with fire, variety with cohesion, the group gives an unforgettable performance. "

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 380

"The Flemish Baroque Orchestra B'Rock was founded in 2005 by young baroque specialists from Flanders, the Netherlands, Germany, France and England. The orchestra is based in Ghent.

B'Rock originates in the wish to innovate and rejuvenate the early music scene. The internationally oriented B'Rock orchestra has a variable strength according to the repertoire played and does not have a principal conductor. Young musicians who have experience in the field of early music with both foreign and national specialized orchestras form the permanent core of the orchestra. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 405

"La Stravanganza Köln was founded in 1988. After a formative phase the orchestra found an important partner in the English violinist Andrew Manze who directed it for six years. His growing commitments with The Academy of Ancient Music forced his departure and led to a series of exciting projects under various leaders. International invitations led the orchestra to Holland, France, Austria, Italy, Spain and the USA. The internationally renowned violinist Veronika Skuplik has led the orchestra since 1999. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 496

"Capriccio Stravagante is world-renowned for their memorable interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque music. Founded in 1986 by Skip Sempé, the ensemble of 4-40 performers now incorporates Capriccio Stravagante, the Capriccio Stravagante Orchestra, the Capriccio Stravagante Renaissance Orchestra and Capriccio Stravagante Opera. The diverse vocal and instrumental formations feature the finest European, American and Canadian musicians. Their extensive discography includes music by Byrd, Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, Buxtehude, Handel, Telemann, Lully and Couperin, as well as “Versailles – L’Ile Enchantée”, “Venezia Stravagantissima” (Alpha) and “Paradizo” (Paradizo). These recordings have made a considerable contribution to Capriccio Stravagante’s acceptance as the foremost interpretive force in Renaissance and Baroque repertoire to have emerged in decades. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 430