EarlyMusicNews.Org

“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: 309

“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: 306

"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: 305

"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: 302

“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: 300

"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: 290

“Created in 1986 by the recorder player Jean-Marc Andrieu, the orchestra Les Passions is in residence in Montauban. This flexible ensemble specialises in the practice of period instruments. Its artistic approach reconciles two principles: a respect for the musical technique of the period (authentic performance) and a dynamic interpretation of the musical composition. Its vocation is to convince the public that ancient music is as relevant to the present as are the writings of Molière, the paintings of La Tour or the architecture of Mansart. Its repertoire extends from the beginning of the 17th century (Monteverdi's Vêpres à la Vierge) to the end of the 18th century (Mozart's Requiem) encompassing a large number of the masters of the Baroque era (Bach, Handel, Telemann, Scarlatti, Vivaldi, Purcell, Charpentier...). The orchestra is also dedicated to rediscovering the legacy of French music by producing the opera Stratonice by Méhul, Daphnis et Alcimadure by Mondonville and works by Toulouse composers Dupuy, Levens and Jean Gilles. The orchestra also contributes to the restitution of the musical library of the Dukes of Aiguillon. ..“

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Added on: Jul 27, 2009 | Hits: 281

“The American Bach Soloists touch musical audiences through live performances, recordings, and educational programs that emphasize the engaging repertoire and historically accurate performance practices of the Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic periods with a special focus on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Named "the best American specialists in early music" by The Washington Post, the American Bach Soloists ("ABS") were founded in 1989 with the mission of introducing contemporary audiences to the cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach through historically informed performances. Under the leadership of Co-founder and Music Director Jeffrey Thomas, the ensemble has achieved its vision of assembling the world's finest vocalists and period-instrument performers to bring this brilliant music to life.

Critical acclaim has been extensive. The San Francisco Chronicle recently extolled the ensemble's "Divinely inspired singing," and has called ABS' performances "a model of what the early music movement can offer at its best: a thoughtful, passionate rendition of great music, attuned to both the stylistic characteristics of the past and to the artistic requirements of our own time." The Wall Street Journal named ABS "a flawless ensemble…a level of musical finesse one rarely encounters," and San Francisco Classical Voice declared: "There is nothing routine or settled about their work. Jeffrey Thomas is still pushing the musical Baroque envelope." 

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Added on: May 03, 2010 | Hits: 270

“A period-instrument orchestra with a fresh approach

The Finnish Baroque Orchestra specialises in performance on period instruments –  a mode of performance requiring profound study of the practices and instruments of the period in which a work was composed. Its foremost feature is, however, its fresh, vibrant and open-minded desire to establish a fresh approach to early music.

These days Finnish Baroque Orchestra is working with artists like Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch, Georg Kallweit, Topi Lehtipuu, Hannu Lintu, Sandrine Piau, Karina Gauvin, Juha Kangas, John Storgårds, Aleksei Lybimov, Piia Komsi, Wolfgang Gaisböck, Andres Mustonen, Björn Colell, Alfredo Bernardini,  Marianne Beate Kielland, Arttu Kataja, Erich Hoeprich...”

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Added on: Feb 23, 2012 | Hits: 245

“Our aim -- to bring good music, played well to everyone. Simple and approachable. We're not a group who believes in gimmicks nor do we believe that our concerts are exclusively for the elite. We put a particular emphasis on communication both with each other and with our audience. It's this that gives us a special freedom of expression in our performances.

Born out of a highly successful year of touring with the European Union Baroque Orchestra,the 27 members were driven by their enjoyment of playing together and the wonderful musical experiences they shared to create a new orchestra.The diversity of culture within the orchestra creates a very special and vibrant sound. Every member brings,from their eleven different countries, their own experiences and musical ideas.

New Century Baroque gave their very successful debut concert in May of 2010 to a packed hall in Newbury and have since performed with soprano Gamma Bertagnolli in Trento, Brixen and Taufers. With EUBO, the group have performed under the directionof some of Europe's finest baroque musicians and have given concerts all over the continent from Slovenia to Bulgaria, Italy, Spain and Latvia to name but a few.”

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Added on: Jul 21, 2011 | Hits: 240

“Parallel to the professional orchestra and its concert and recording activities, the Fondazione Academia Montis Regalis Onlus hosts an orchestral training course for young musicians interested in 17th and 18th century repertoire on original instruments ("Corso di Formazione Orchestrale Barocca e Classica").
The course is divided into five cycles of five days each and is directed by tutors of international reputation.

The twenty-three musicians who are selected by an international jury receive a study scholarship and the refund of their expenses for the journey, board and lodging every year.
The scholarship holders take part in an experience that is unique in Italy: they play in a chamber orchestra which is conducted by Italian and foreign directors of international fame for a period of six days every month from January to June.

The orchestra takes part in more public concerts in Mondovì, Turin and other Italian and foreign cities to show the attained artistic level at the end of every cycle.

The tutors and the artistic management decide the programs of the courses by mutual consent: the programs regard the orchestral repertory from the end of 17th to the second half of 18th century, and often they offer the possibility to take part in soloist concerts for the best of musicians.

Thanks to this formula, the young musicians have the possibility of meeting artists of great experience and international prestige and they can examine thoroughly the technical and interpretative points of view of a wide repertory from the first baroque to the threshold Viennese classicism.

The best of the participants have the possibility to be part of the professional orchestra at the end of the five cycles of study.

All the young people who are interested in being part of the Youth Orchestra can visit the web page concerning the auditions.” 

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Added on: Apr 24, 2011 | Hits: 229

“The Academia Montis Regalis's orchestra has become a professional activity thanks to the numerous concerts and the flourishing discography since 1994.
It has been conducting by the most important international specialists in the field of ancient music: Ton Koopman, Jordi Savall, Christopher Hogwood, Reinhardt Goebel, Monica Huggett, Lucy van Dael, Luigi Mangiocavallo, Enrico Gatti, Chiara Banchini, Alessandro De Marchi, who has been the main conductor for the latest years.

Today the orchestra is ever more in demand and performs in notable concert series and festivals in Italy and abroad. They have appeared at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, the Musica e Poesia a San Maurizio in Milan, the Amici della Musica in Perugia, Florence and Padua, the Giovine Orchestra Genovese in Genoa, the Settembre Musica in Turin, the Istituzione Universitaria dei Concerti in Rome, the Théâtre de l'Opera in Lille (France), the Théâtre Municipal in Lausanne (Switzerland), the Théâtre Poissy and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris (France).”

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Added on: Apr 24, 2011 | Hits: 224

“A baroque orchestra? Yes. But more importantly - an orchestra in a baroque manner. That means an orchestra searching for more than just performing in a historically informed fashion the pieces that were written 300 years ago. That means an orchestra with a truly baroque approach to music making. That means an orchestra for which the score, the treatises and the instruments are merely a pretext for artistic experiments; for long journeys that lead to the unknown; for creating rather than re-creating!

AdS gives on average nearly one hundred concerts a year, performing in various settings and instrumental combinations. The orchestra has initiated as well as hosted five early music festivals in Poland: "Early Music - Persona Grata" (since 1998); "Music in Paradise" (2003-2009 in Paradyz); "Torun Haendel Festival" (2004-2006); "Three Baroques Festival" (2004-2007 in Wroclaw) and "Baroque Strings and Bows Festival" (2005-2009 in Poznan).

The CD's of AdS have been released by such renowned labels as Alpha, Channel Classics and BIS Records. They have received an international acclaim and won many prestigious awards: 2003 Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Instrumental recording (for Vivaldi's "La Stravaganza" with Rachel Podger), Diapason d'Or, Gramophone Editor's Choice, Choc du Monde de la Musique, Luister 10, 10 de Repertoire, Classics Today, Classic CD. 

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Added on: Nov 09, 2011 | Hits: 214

“Since their first performance of Handel's "Messiah" in December 1983, the Galway Baroque Singers have established themselves as one of Ireland's most accomplished amateur choirs.

Formed by Audrey Corbett, the choir has sung many of the major choral works:

• Masses by Haydn, Beethoven, Weber, Cherubini, Bruckner and Mozart
• Magnificats by Bach, Pergolesi, Rutter
• Glorias by Vivaldi and Poulenc
• Requiems by Mozart, Faure, Durufle, Verdi and Rutter
• Carl Orff's Carmina Burana …”

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Added on: Mar 02, 2012 | Hits: 188

“Sinfonia New York is a period instrument orchestra that specializes in historically informed, vibrant performances of 17th, 18th and early 19th century music.

Since its debut on October 1st, 2007 at The Town Hall in New York City the group has established itself as a première ensemble that presents old music in thrilling new ways. …

Sinfonia New York was co-founded by Artistic Director Christine Gummere and Executive Director Gene Murrow.  The orchestra has a two-fold mission: to create work for seasoned musicians as well as young players just starting their careers, providing them with an environment that encourages their best playing; and to perform music by famous and lesser-known baroque and classical composers in period style.

Under the leadership of John Scott, the orchestra has received critical acclaim for the high quality of its playing.  As the Sinfonia Players the group has excelled in presenting chamber concerts featuring music from Monteverdi to Mendelssohn.”

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Added on: Oct 22, 2011 | Hits: 186

“Now in its fifth decade, the Toronto Chamber Choir holds a place of prominence in the early music scene. Mark Vuorinen, now entering his fourth season as Music Director, is one of Canada’s rising choral conductors, with more than ten years of experience conducting professional and amateur singers. He follows David Fallis, the choir’s Music Director Laureate, an expert in early music who led the choir for more than two decades. 

The choir distinguishes itself by its presentation of large-scale, often little-known, works of the Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, performed in authentic style. In 2007, we performed the Requiem by Francesco Cavalli,
a work rarely heard in Canada. A performance of the 40-voice motet Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis was a fitting choice for celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2008. In 2010, we sang Media Vita by John Sheppard, an English composer who deserves to be heard more often.  On Good Friday in 2010, we performed the profound Passion oratorio Membra Jesu Nostri by Buxtehude.  Mark Vuorinen said, “This piece is comprised of seven discrete cantatas, each a meditation on a part of Christ’s crucified body. For the sixth cantata, a meditation on the heart, Buxtehude replaces the violins with a consort of five viols, a most extraordinary timbral effect!”  In the spring of 2011, the choir presented a concert of music by Josquin des Prez, arguably the most famous composer during his own lifetime.  Secular and sacred music was performed, including one of his greatest works, the Missa Pange Lingua. More notes are found in the Education and Outreach section of the website.“

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Added on: Mar 28, 2012 | Hits: 186

“Barokksolistene counts up to 20 musicians, all on a solistic level. The ensemble is flexible and its versatility remarkable, appearing as a chamber orchestra, but also as a pub-band, free improvising group, cross-over ensemble or intimate chamber group. Barokksolistene is a platform where excellent musicians can meet, and they offer concert productions normally not found in the context of classical music. Bjarte Eike’s imaginative programming and the ensembles’ infectious music making have been met with great enthusiasm by a wide audience.”

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Added on: Sep 26, 2011 | Hits: 182

“Barokkanerne is an all-Norwegian baroque orchestra, consisting of Oslo-based, young professional musicians, all with recognized special skills within the field of Early Music. The ensemble was established in 1989, and gives concerts both as a full orchestra and as smaller chamber-music groups. Venues have included the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, the Oslo International Church Music Festival, broadcasts on the NRK radio and television network (the Norwegian Broadcasting Company), and tours abroad, including most recently concerts in Israel and Lithuania.

In 2006 Barokkanerne performed with Det Norske Solistkor in the world premiere of Lasse Thoresen’s Ut Unum Sint, which was written specifically for this orchestra.

Barokkanerne’s activities have traditionally included performances of music for choir, soloists and orchestra, such as Haydn’s Creation, Mozart’s Requiem, the St John and St Matthew Passions by Bach, Monteverdi’s Vespers, and Handel’s Messiah.

During recent years Barokkanerne has begun to draw a wide audience as a purely instrumental ensemble. The increased level of skill, artistry and enthusiasm amongst its members has spurred the orchestra to aim for more independent tasks.”

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Added on: Feb 23, 2012 | Hits: 182

“Silete Venti! was born in 2004 to deepen the study of the Baroque and Classic period, with the peculiarity of using authentic instruments and of giving a great attention to the original techniques and to search for the ancient sources. The orchestra has from the beginning cooperated with important hystorical researchers and well known international musicians such as Corrado Rovaris. Silete venti! is formed by musicians who are winner of international awards and have been Prime parti in famous orchestras, and who teach in schools full of prestige. Young talented musicians are also applied to the orchestra, with the desire of promoting an ambitious and deep cultural development. Silete Venti! has then become an important part in the Ancient Music panorama, and has been invited in famous festival focused on this repertoire.”

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Added on: Nov 16, 2011 | Hits: 181

Ensemble & Orchestra L’Aura Soave in Cremona

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Added on: Mar 03, 2012 | Hits: 176

“Crescendo's mission: 

To bring an innovative approach to rarely heard choral and instrumental music, sacred and secular, performed by amateurs and processionals with the Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra; and to provide workshops and master classes in the musical arts - both in northwestern Connecticut and nearby New York and Massachusetts.“

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Added on: Mar 02, 2012 | Hits: 161

“Sixty of the Chicago area’s finest professional musicians make up the chorus and orchestra of Music of the Baroque. Many have played and sung for years with the ensemble. Most members of the orchestra also perform with other leading groups, including the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera. Chorus members have active operatic, teaching and recital careers and several perform regularly as soloists with Music of the Baroque. The opportunity to perform early repertoire at a very high artistic level with fellow fine musicians keeps ensemble members coming back concert after concert.“

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Added on: Feb 19, 2012 | Hits: 159

Orchestra on Period Instruments
Alexis Kossenko, direction

”Les Ambassadeurs & Alexis Kossenko realize a dream of a European orchestra reconciling the performance on period instruments with a wide repertoire hitherto fragmented by specialization. At once sincere messengers, passionate performers and inspired creators, their mission is to share with as wide a public as possible the infinite range of emotions conveyed by the experience of music.

Tracing their path away from dogmas, fashions and schools, Les Ambassadeurs pursue an ideal of eloquence – where the grammar of period instruments, the art of rhetoric and musical instinct do not exclude each other. …”

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Added on: May 14, 2012 | Hits: 152

“Born of the stage [tradition], the Romeo & Julia Kören (Choir) honours a musical storytelling tradition.

The ensemble sings and emotes, making performances a visual as well as a musical experience. The result is a singular brand of vocal drama. ...

A Renaissance concert showcases the most playful side of the Romeo  Julia Choir. Benoît Malmberg deftly conducts his choir through selections from their sizable repertoire, some 150 pieces, generally accompanied by a Renaissance lute and percussion. ... When performing at other venues, the Renaissance concert format is adapted to suit the particular venue. ..."

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Added on: Mar 24, 2012 | Hits: 142

“The new Stuttgart Baroque Orchestra …”

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Added on: Nov 08, 2012 | Hits: 134