EarlyMusicNews.Org

"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: 295

“Formed in 2002, Belsize Baroque is one of the leading amateur baroque orchestras. It comprises young professionals, students and committed amateurs. The orchestra performs on period instruments in an historically informed style. It collaborates regularly with leading baroque directors to give orchestral perfomances as well as working with choral groups.“

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Added on: Jun 17, 2010 | Hits: 303

"Founded in 1987 by Antonio Florio, the Cappella della Pietà de’ Turchini is made up of instrumentalists and singers who specialise in the performance of Neapolitan music from the 16th - 18th centuries, notably such outstanding composers as Provenzale, Trabaci, Veneziano, Nola, Netti, Caresana and Sabino. The unique programmes and rigorous approach to Baroque performing practice make the Cappella one of the most interesting realities in musical life in Italy, and indeed in Europe. The Ensemble has been invited to take part in a large number of musical events both in Italy and further afield: the Festival Monteverdiano in Cremona, the Accademia Filarmonica Romana, the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome, festivals in Versailles, Nancy, Nantes, Metz, Caen, Lisbon, Marseilles, Ambronay, Utrecht, the Festival de Otono de Madrid, the Festival of Ancient Music in Tel Aviv, the Schleswig Holstein Festival, the Cité de la Musique in Paris, the Fundació La Caixa e Palau de la Musica de Barcellona, Teatro Lope de Vega in Seviglia, the Konzerthaus in Vienna, Théatre La Monnaie et Festival de Wallonie in Bruxelles, the Fondation Royaumont, the Philarmonie in Berlin. Recently the Cappella della Pietà de’ Turchini has performed “La colomba ferita” by Provenzale in the Teatro Arriaga in Bilbao and the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid, and “La finta cameriera” by Gaetano Latilla in opera houses in Rennes, Paris and Lille. It appeared in Bergen in May 2001 and represented the city of Naples at the Festival de Saint-Denis in June 2001 with two productions, “Opera Buffa” and “La colomba ferita”, continuing on tour in Strasburg, Halle, La Coruña and Granada. The group has performed at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, the Ente Lirico di Cagliari, the Teatro San Carlo di Napoli, the Teatro Comunale di Ferrara and the Teatro Ponchielli di Cremona. It has recorded for Radio France, the BBC, Belgian, Spanish, German and Austrian Radio. In 1998 the Cappella was featured in a documentary by Belgian television and in a film entirely devoted to Opera Buffa for the French-German company ARTE. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 307

“After comprehensive training as a harpsichordist, organist, pianist, singer, composer, choirmaster and conductor, Hervé Niquet made his debut as choirmaster at the Opéra National de Paris (1980).

In 1987, he founded Le Concert Spirituel, with which he has since explored exceptional repertoires of the baroque period, with emphasis on the French tradition and its emblematic sacred works (masses and motets by Charpentier, Lully, Gilles, Campra, Rameau, Colasse, Desmarest and Boismortier), while endeavouring to revive masterpieces of French lyrical theatre (Pigmalion by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse and Daphnis & Chloé by Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, Le Triomphe d’Iris by Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, Médée by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Callirhoé by André Cardinal Destouches, Sémélé by Marin Marais, Proserpine by Jean-Baptiste Lully, and, soon, Andromaque by André Ernest Modeste Grétry). Passion does not necessarily imply exclusion: Handel, Lorenzani, Purcell, Bach, Haydn, Gossec, Rigel, Philidor and Mozart also frequently feature on Le Concert Spirituel’s programmes. ..“

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Added on: May 18, 2009 | Hits: 309

"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: 311

"The ACO membership is comprised of people interested in rediscovering the music of the Classical period in its original glory: performed with stylistic integrity on original instruments, in intimate settings, and accompanied by explanations which help participants visualize a time and place when the music was first performed. The settings are carefully chosen for their acoustic qualities and their appropriateness for the music. Venues have included intimate halls, museums and private residences where supporters gather to enjoy the music, experience the surroundings, and get to know one another over light refreshments. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 05, 2008 | Hits: 311

“Created in 1992 by Franck-Emmanuel Comte, "Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu" is a flexible vocal and instrumental Ensemble, which follows three artistic lines:
- it devotes a large part of its programs to the rediscovery and the promotion of regional musical heritage from the XVIIth and XVIIth centuries in showing the link between France and Italy thanks to a strong Italian heritage in Lyons. (Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu is the only one group in the region that plays principally this repertoire.)
- creation of interdisciplinary musical programs that points up a link between learned music and traditional music.
- original and creative presentation of masterpieces of the sacred and profane repertoire. ..“

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Added on: Jul 27, 2009 | Hits: 311

“The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ), founded by Conductor/Music Director Robert W. Butts in 1996, originally specialized in the music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: the Baroque and Classical eras. The Orchestra now performs a wide variety of symphonic, chamber and operatic classical music from all periods.

Initially performing at the historic Darress Theatre in Boonton, the Orchestra became the ensemble in residence at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison in 2002.  In 2008, the BONJ moved to a beautiful new auditorium for its larger concerts- Dolan Hall in the Annunciation Center at the College of St. Elizabeth's, in Convent Station.

As part of its mission, the Orchestra inaugurated in March, 2003 its free annual Family Concert, produced to encourage young people and families to enjoy the orchestra concert experience.  To encourage the development and recognition of classical music students, the BONJ sponsors the Pearl and Julius Young Rising Starts Music Competition.  Winners of the competition, and other young musicians, are given the opportunity to play with the Baroque Orchestra.

In August of 2006, BONJ offered its first Summer Festival of Baroque Music at Grace Church in Madison. The Festival, which has become an annual event, offers a great variety of musical and related performances in the space of a week.“

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Added on: Aug 04, 2011 | Hits: 317

“Taking its inspiration from Les Nations, a work by François Couperin symbolising the coming together of musical tastes and heralding a “European artistic space” which, far from being a recent invention, bears all the hallmarks of the Age of Enlightenment, Le Concert des Nations, the youngest of the ensembles directed by Jordi Savall, was founded in 1989. Created during the preparation of the Canticum Beatae Virgine by Charpentier, this group arose out of the need for an orchestra of period instruments that could play the orchestral and symphonic repertoire from the Baroque to the Romantic periods (1600-1850). Le Concert des Nations is the first orchestra of its kind made up chiefly (although not exclusively) of musicians from Latin countries (Spain, Latin America, Italy, Portugal, France, etc.), all of whom are outstanding specialists in performance using period instruments. The impact of the ensemble’s recordings and concerts given in the major cities and music festivals over the last fifteen years has established its reputation as one of the best original instrument orchestras performing today, with a broad and varied repertoire that ranges from the earliest music to be composed for orchestra (L’Orchestre de Louis XIII, 1600-1650) to the masterpieces of the Romantic period, including the key Baroque and Classical composers. …”

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Added on: Oct 03, 2011 | Hits: 327

"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: 333

"The Baroque orchestra Modo Antiquo is regarded as one of the leading ensembles on the international early music scene.

Founded by Federico Maria Sardelli, Modo Antiquo brings together specialists in Baroque music who share a taste for instrumental virtuosity and an in-depth knowledge of historical performance styles and languages.

With its specific approach to performance of Italian Baroque music, and of Vivaldi in particular, Modo Antiquo has become established as a benchmark ensemble in this field. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 338

"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: 340

"Hailed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as "one of Atlanta's most prized ensembles" New Trinity Baroque is recognized as o­ne of USA's leading baroque orchestras and early music ensembles. Founded in London in 1998, the group was initially established as an ensemble of international musicians, and since then it continues to maintain this presence through working closely with both U.S. and international artists. Founded by the young conductor and harpsichordist, Predrag Gosta, the ensemble's home base is Atlanta, where it continues its mission by presenting over 25 concerts and educational events each season" ...

Added on: Jul 13, 2005 | Hits: 341

"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: 343

"The Accademia Barocca Willelm Hermans was formed in October 2000 and is comprised of thirty instrumentalists and singers specialized in ancient music. The musicians have had many oprofessional experiences both in Italy and abroad and were able to distinguish themselves in prestigious festivals and competitions highlighting outstanding talents and musical interpretation. " (Google transl. ed.) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 29, 2008 | Hits: 353

"The Barrocade is a unique orchestra in the Israeli musical scene. The ensemble is composed of players who have specialized in early music in leading European music academies and have returned to Israel in order to establish a baroque ensemble of international calibre. After a successful beginning, we are proud to present a new and exciting concert season. In our orchestral series, which takes place in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, you will be able to enjoy the enchanting sound of an authentic baroque orchestra. Not only will we have guest soloists, but we will also present the varied talents of the members of the ensemble. We will play a myriad of diverse genres including sacred music, opera, art and folk music, and music written for theatre. We invite you to join us for a celebration of music and discover the baroque as you have never heard it before. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 04, 2008 | Hits: 354

"The Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) is one of the world’s first and foremost period-instrument orchestras. Concerts across six continents and over 250 recordings since its formation by Christopher Hogwood in 1973 demonstrate the AAM’s pre-eminence in music of the Baroque and Classical periods. In September 2006, Richard Egarr took up the post of Music Director, succeeding Hogwood who assumes the title of Emeritus Director. Egarr has already undertaken critically-acclaimed work with the AAM including a USA tour and the recording of Bach’s harpsichord concertos. During his first season in the new role, Egarr will tour the UK, Europe and the USA, and continue the AAM’s strong recording tradition with a series of Handel recordings for Harmonia Mundi USA (HMUSA), including the release of the Concerti Grossi Op.3. " ...

Added on: Aug 14, 2007 | Hits: 360

"AROW was founded in 2000 and comprises dedicated, enthusiastic musicians who live throughout Northern California. AROW musicians play the entire recorder family, from sopranino to contrabass. Monthly rehearsals are held on Saturdays in the fall, winter & early spring months. The American Recorder Orchestra of the West has a reputation for embarking on explorations and programs of music that one would not expect recorders to dare to play. In recent years AROW has performed German, French, English, Medieval, and Eastern European programs which have included both the formal and the folk sides of national musical traditions. AROW has played music that ranges through the history of Western Music. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 02, 2008 | Hits: 363

"In a few short years, The New York Collegium has earned a reputation as one of North America’s very finest baroque bands. Renowned conductor, author, and historian Andrew Parrott has distinguished the work of The Collegium with performances of the highest caliber and programs that connect music making to the social, political, religious and literary milieu of its creation. The ensemble’s players and singers are all specialists in performing in the musical styles of the 17th and 18th centuries; many were pioneers in the field of historically informed performance and have regularly performed in the most prestigious festivals and ensembles in Europe. The New York Collegium has been featured on broadcasts on WNYC New York Public Radio, WGBH in Boston, Colorado Public Radio and NPR’s Performance Today, and has made guest appearances at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), The Metropolitan Museum and The Savannah Music Festival. A concert by The New York Collegium will be the featured performance to open The Bach Festival of Philadelphia in March 2007.

The Collegium also maintains an innovative teaching residency in New York City public schools, providing recorder, percussion and classical guitar instruction to entire classrooms of 2nd to 8th grade children. Recorder virtuoso Nina Stern, the Director of Education for The New York Collegium, has received honors for her educational work, including an Endicott Fellowship in 2003 and the “Early Music Brings History Alive” award from Early Music America in 2005. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 08, 2008 | Hits: 367

"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: 373

"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. "

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Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 374

"Chamber Orchestra of Moscow State University was born in 1967. It was created by Edward Gindin a talented musician with a strong personality who played viola in the orchestra of Stanislavsky Opera Theatre but also had played before for a while in a famous Chamber Orchestra directed by Lev Markiz. Creation of the orchestra was enthusiastically supported by professor Shilov and academician Petrovskiy, the Rector of the Moscow State University at that time. It was originally formed as a chamber orchestra at the School of Mathematics and Mechanics but soon (since September 1967) transformed into a Chamber Orchestra of the Moscow State University. Initially, the style of the orchestra followed the "good manners" dictated by the legendary Moscow Chamber Orchestra founded in 1961 by Rudolf Barshai. In 1976, Edward Gindin emigrated to US as a refugee and the orchestra got for a while a shadow of a "politically incorrect collective". Since then, the orchestra was directed by Alexander Riz, a docent from Gnesin Institute (1975-1978 and 1987-1989; subsequently, emigrated to US), and other musicians Oleg Reshetkin (1979), Alexander Moldavskiy (1979-1987; eventually, emigrated to Israel) and Georgiy Kheresko (1985-1986; diseased 1999) and Dmitry Goldobin (1990/1991). The Chamber Orchestra of Moscow State University won the first prizes in the 1-st and 2-nd All-Union festivals of non-professional arts. It is also a laureat of two Festivals of Amateur Chamber Orchestras in Erevan. The current music director Alexander Konstantinov is not a professional musician, but an actively working biochemist, who has played violin in the orchestra since 1968, and has been its konzertmeister since ca. 1970.

In 1989, following steady and determined devotion of one of the orchestra members Andrey Sharapov (viola) who introduced to us first tape copies of authentic style performers and was persistent enough to use gut strings, give up a shoulder rest and a chin rest and to buy a baroque bow, the orchestra became interested in the so-called authentic style of baroque music performance. Having started virtually on the scratch, guided by accidental copies of recordings by Hogwood, Pinnock, Gardiner, Hornancourt and Leonhardt and progressing by tries and errors, the orchestra gradually picked up its own feeling of the style. A great impetus in this direction was given by Vladimir Drozdov (double bass) and Dmitry Goldobin (harpsichord) who joined the Orchestra in 1990 and before entering the orchestra, played for a while in one of the first authentic style ensembles organized in Moscow by Ivan Monigetti. Dmitry Goldobin spent a year as a music director of the orchestra in 1990/1991 academic year and the first early music program made with him (Locke, H.Lawes, Muffat, Kindermann, Halborne) provided a basis for further progress of the orchestra in this direction. Tuning down to a’=415 Hz made the evolution irreversible. Since 1990 the orchestra plays without conductor. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 24, 2008 | Hits: 382

"Named Musical America's "Ensemble of the Year" for 2004, San Francisco's Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra has been dedicated to historically-informed performance of Baroque, Classical and early-Romantic music on original instruments since its inception in 1981.

Under the leadership of Nicholas McGegan, its Music Director since 1985, Philharmonia has become "an ensemble for early music as fine as any in the world today" (Los Angeles Times). The Orchestra performs a subscription season in four cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is regularly heard on tour in the United States and internationally. In addition to Mr. McGegan, the Orchestra has welcomed eminent guest conductors to its podium including William Christie, Andrew Parrott, Jordi Savall, Gustav Leonhardt, Monica Huggett and Stanley Ritchie. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 08, 2008 | Hits: 385

"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: 391

"Three-time Grammy Nominee Boston Baroque—the first permanent Baroque orchestra established in North America—is now widely regarded as this country's leading period-instrument orchestra and chorus. The ensemble's performances and recordings of the Baroque and Classical repertoire have been acclaimed from Boston to London, from New York to Vienna to Sao Paulo for their freshness, virtuosity, and exuberant appeal.

Founded in 1973 by Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque presents an annual subscription concert series in Greater Boston and reaches an international audience with its critically acclaimed recording series on Telarc. Boston Baroque made its European debut in April 2003, performing Handel's Messiah to sold-out houses and standing ovations in Krakow and Warsaw, Poland. The ensemble celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2003–2004 with a tour of the Monteverdi Vespers to major American music centers, including the Tanglewood and Ravinia Festivals and its West Coast debut in Los Angeles's Disney Hall. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 392