EarlyMusicNews.Org

"Linking professional and amateur countertenors and people interested in the CT repertoire" ...

Added on: Aug 03, 2007 | Hits: 443

“The Renaissance Camerata de Caracas was founded in March 1978 by Professor Isabel Palacios with a group of Venezuelan musicians in order to interpret international early music from the Middle Ages in Europe to the Latin American Baroque …”

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Added on: Feb 29, 2012 | Hits: 172

“The Baroque Camerata de Caracas was founded in December 1985 by Professor Isabel Palacios in order to achieve a natural expansion of the repertoire that had been working with the Camerata de Caracas Renaissance and to develop, with the new choir, the music of the baroque period to early classical, whose most outstanding are located in the seventeenth century in Europe and the Colony in America. …”

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Added on: Feb 29, 2012 | Hits: 161

“Hailed as “a superb choir” (Gramophone), as well as “a choir to watch” (Fanfare), the Tudor Choir and its director Doug Fullington have received national and international attention as interpreters of Renaissance polyphony and early American music. Founded by Fullington in 1993, the Tudor Choir is a Seattle-based professional vocal chamber ensemble of 12 core singers; the group can expand to up to 40 members for works such as Thomas Tallis’s monumental Spem in alium. The Tudor Choir is a resident ensemble at historic Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle. …“

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Added on: Jan 22, 2011 | Hits: 211

“The mission of The Bach Ensemble, Inc. is:

• to enhance the classical musical offerings of Southwest Florida;
• to offer quality musical performances;
• to offer public concerts featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque contemporaries, as well as composers related to the Baroque era and beyond; and
• to offer specific workshops and lectures about Bach and his contemporaries as a public education program in the community and in schools.“

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Added on: Jan 11, 2012 | Hits: 201

“The Suspicious Cheese Lords was founded by Clifton "Skip" West in 1996. Skip had the typical American dream of wanting to sing Thomas Tallis' Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah. To accomplish this goal, he enticed a core group of five amateur singers, friends who were current and former members of the Cathedral Choral Society, by promising a home-cooked dinner to those who would come and bellow.

Since then, the Cheese Lords have consisted of between 10 and 15 members. They still gather in Skip's dining room once a week to sing, drink, talk, eat, drink, sing, and did we say drink? In spite of this—or perhaps because of it—this male a cappella ensemble has been able to prepare and perform high-quality and heart-felt music throughout the Washington, D.C. area. …”

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Added on: Sep 26, 2011 | Hits: 195

“Stephanie Prewitt has performed in theaters, cathedrals, and concert halls throughout the United States and Europe, in repertoire spanning eight centuries. A resident of Europe for two years after completing her university training, she soloed regularly with the renowned Clemencic Consort in Vienna and Paris. She was a member of the six-voice ensemble La Cappella, and toured with them extensively throughout Austria, Italy, and Scandinavia, in eclectic repertory ranging from obscure masterpieces of the Austrian Renaissance to American spirituals.

In the USA, she has sung with many festivals and ensembles: Aspen Music Festival; Carmel Bach Festival; New Texas Music Works; Round Top Early Music Festival; Victoria Bach Festival; New York Ensemble for Early Music; Texas Early Music Project; and La Follia Austin Baroque. Her most recent honors include an Austin Critics Table Award (2001) and the Adams Vocal Master Class Fellowship (2001) from the internationally acclaimed Carmel Bach Festival. She is featured on a recording of Koch International, singing 12th-century polyphonic chant with Heliotrope, an ensemble based in California. In Europe, she has recorded for Preiser and Nuovo Era.“

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Added on: Apr 18, 2010 | Hits: 296

“San Francisco Renaissance Voices made our debut in 2004 with a "standing room only" performance of Victoria's Requiem and quickly became a favorite of Bay Area Early Music audiences.
 
We have consistently earned praise for our "gossamer sound ... a sound something akin to spiritual levitation" as well as recognition for our imaginative programming and christened the Bay Area's"hipper than thou" Early Music ensemble by San Francisco Classical Voice and in 2010 SFWeekly chose us as
"Best Classical Music" for their Best of San Francisco edition.

We are a professional mixed-voice ensemble dedicated to performing and exploring the a cappella choral music of the Renaissance particularly lesser-known and rarely-performed works, as well as exploring music from this period outside of the traditional European canon.”

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Added on: Sep 26, 2011 | Hits: 192

“Born on St. Cecilia's Day, Countertenor
RYLAND ANGEL was a chorister at Bristol Cathedral and a lay-clerk at Chester Cathedral.

He trained as a lawyer before deciding to pursue a professional career as a singer in 1991 when he started studying with David Mason.

Since then, Mr. Angel has received a Grammy nomination and has performed with William Christie, Rene Jacobs, Ivor Bolton, Roy Goodman, Christophe Rousset, Philippe Herreweghe, Christophe Coin, Gabriel Garrido, Cantus Köln, Le Concert Spirituel, Le Parlement de Musique, the Ensemble of Early Music of New York and Ensemble La Fenice. …”

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Added on: Mar 01, 2012 | Hits: 197

"Founded in the spring of 2005, Prometheus is a chamber ensemble dedicated to giving vibrant, historical performances of Baroque music. Unique because its members are equally entrenched in the scholarly and performance worlds, the group breathes life into Baroque music with its bold, sensitive interpretations of the repertoire.

The ensemble's concerts feature Baroque gesture and poetry, transforming them into unique visual and literary spectacles. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 465

"Inspired by the renowned chapel choirs of the Renaissance, Pomerium revives the golden age of a cappella singing. The ensemble, featuring some of the finest singers in the country and acclaimed for its luminous sound, performs frequently in New York—at such venues as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters, the Pierpont Morgan Library, the Frick Collection, and Music Before 1800—as well as across the USA and abroad. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 470

“With a voice reviewed as “arresting, haunting, expressive, clear-toned, and sweet,” soprano Phoebe Jevtović Alexander performs chamber music, early opera, and experimental music in the United States and abroad. She has appeared as a soloist with the Waverly Consort, American Bach Soloists, Musica Angelica, Magnificat, and North Holland Opera. Roles performed include Despina in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Amphitrite in Locke’s Tempest, Cupid in Purcell’s Timon of Athens, and the title role in Rossi’s Orfeo.
    
Among Phoebe’s varied collaborations are the baroque ensemble La Monica; medieval ensemble Cançionèr; art song with celebrated pianist Robert Thies; and early music and dance with Italy’s visionary Art Monastery Project. She has also toured the US and Indonesia with Gamelan X (Balinese-inspired hybrid world music ensemble); and sings Balkan folk music with Kitka. Phoebe has recorded for Dorian, Nonesuch, Wave, and Gothic Records, and was interviewed in the November 2009 issue of Classical Singer Magazine.

Phoebe completed her Master of Arts degree in Early Music Performance at the University of Southern California, and has edited a book of 17th century solo songs by Tarquinio Merula that is due to be published by A&R Editions.”

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Added on: Feb 07, 2011 | Hits: 250

"A chorister from the age of seven, Philip Cave has been involved with choral music all his life. He studied music at Oxford University with Simon Preston and was a Choral Scholar and Lay-clerk at Christ Church Cathedral, where he also directed the College Choir, the Cathedral Voluntary Choir, and sang with the Schola Cantorum and the Clerkes of Oxenford. During the following years, he taught music, performed as a soloist and conducted several ensembles including the Oxford Harmonic Society, a city choir of 120 voices, with whom he performed much of the standard choral society repertoire.

He was a founding member of the Tallis Scholars with whom he gave over 400 performances, and for many years a lay-clerk in New College Choir, directed by Edward Higginbottom.

He has performed, toured and recorded with the Hilliard Ensemble, The Sixteen, the Choir of the English Consort, the King's Consort, the Schütz Choir of London and the Cardinall's Musick. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 08, 2008 | Hits: 358

“Matthew Leese is known as a versatile baritone, conductor, director, and teacher, specializing in early music, art song and opera. He has founded three critically acclaimed ensembles, including the professional early music ensemble 'Gravitación'. His extensive performing experience in the USA, New Zealand, Asia and Europe includes numerous opera, recital and oratorio credits. CD credits include ‘Elements’ and ‘Le Stagioni’ with First Step Records, a disc of new music by NZ composer Anthony Ritchie, and as medieval soloist on the 2007 Norton Anthology. As a director, Matthew has led productions of many staged productions, and is known for his expertise in period stage movement. Matthew serves on the Voice and Opera faculty at Millikin University, is Co-Artistic Director of the New Brunswick Early Music Festival, Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Urbana and is pursuing a Doctorate in Choral Conducting at the University of Illinois.“

Visit website for more information. You may also visit the Matthew Leese YouTube site for additional information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 08, 2011 | Hits: 197

“The Maryland Cantabile is a community chorus dedicated to exploring music from the early to contemporary period.  Our current focus is early music and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other music groups.”

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Added on: Nov 12, 2012 | Hits: 154

"Mark Crayton performs on concert stages and in opera houses throughout the United States and Europe, and his extensive repertoire includes a wide variety of works. Mark Crayton created the role of the First Minstrel in The Holland Festival’s production of Peter Onnes’ opera/theatre piece Pantagruel et Gargantua. This role was specifically written for Mark Crayton. In 2003, Mark Crayton was invited by the composer Philip Glass and the Tony Award director Mary Zimmerman to sing in the world premiere performances of Glass’ opera Galileo Galilei in Chicago, New York City and London. Soon thereafter, Mr Crayton was chosen by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb to sing the role of Louis Perch in their new musical, The Visit, starring Chita Rivera, at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre; discussions are now under way for a possible New York production as well as a production in Washington, DC. The 2006-07 season began for Mark Crayton with a New York City appearance on The Phoenix Concert Series featuring new music for two countertenors and piano, with colleagues Daniel Gundlach and James Janssen. Subsequently, Mr Crayton was heard in concert with fortepianist James Janssen for Ars Musica Chicago at the DePaul University Art Museum. Later in the season, Mr Crayton made his debut with the Seattle Opera as Tolomeo in Handel’s Giulio Cesare - the same opera in which Mark Crayton made his San Diego Opera debut in 2006. Highlights of this season’s appearances include a return to the Phillips Collection in a recital of Italian secular cantatas, a return to Raleigh/Durham to sing G F Handel’s Messiah at the Duke Chapel, a recital/masterclass at Butler University, Messiah with the Chicago Chorale, Carmina Burana with the Fargo-Morehead Symphony, Chichester Psalms with the Sheboygan Symphony, as well as masterclasses in London. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 31, 2008 | Hits: 478

“Lionheart is one of America's leading ensembles in vocal chamber music. Acclaimed for its "smoothly blended and impeccably balanced sound" (Allan Kozinn, The New York Times), Lionheart (Jeffrey Johnson, Lawrence Lipnik, John Olund, Richard Porterfield, Kurt-Owen Richards, and Michael Ryan-Wenger) is best known for its interpretation of medieval and Renaissance a cappella music, with Gregorian Chant as the keystone of its repertoire. The ensemble also collaborates with instrumental ensembles, dance companies, and contemporary composers, and was recently selected for inclusion on the Star Spangled Touring Roster, the first year of an initiative by Early Music America.

Lionheart has released two CDs on the Nimbus label: "My Fayre Ladye: Tudor Songs and Chant: (1997), and "Paris 1200: Chant and Polyphony from 12th Century France" (1998). The ensemble is also heard on Sony Music's CD companion to A History of Western Music, and on NPR's "Christmas Around the Country II," a collection of favorites from NPR's Performance Today. The grpup recently recorded a new CD of the music of Palestrina and his contemporaries with Koch International which is due for release in October of 2001.  On radio, Lionheart has been featured on Performance Today, on PRI's Harmonia, on WGBH, and appears regularly on WNYC. Lionheart has also received significant air play on Radio Shanghai, which broadcasts Western music to a wide audience in China.”

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Added on: Mar 28, 2012 | Hits: 124

“Larksong is a troupe of harmonious voices that loves the sound and performance of fine a cappella music.

We are available for hire for social events, festivals, or other get-togethers in the Baltimore/Annapolis (Maryland) area.

We have a wide repertoire of a cappella music from 16th to 20th century, sacred to secular, and love songs to holiday favorites. We will perform in Renaissance style clothing, Victorian era costumes or formal wear for your occasion.”

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Added on: Nov 12, 2012 | Hits: 165

"Hailed as "a golden soprano" by the New York Times, Jolle Greenleaf has established herself as a leading specialist in repertoire from the 17th and 18th centuries. She completed her Master’s degree at the Mannes College of Music, and soon after received the coveted Beebe Fellowship to study at The Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Netherlands. Upon returning to New York, Ms. Greenleaf has built a career performing with illustrious period instrument conductors such as Martin Gester, Bernard LaBadie, Ton Koopman, Andrew Parrott, John Scott, and Jeannette Sorrell. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 457

"American countertenor Jay Carter is quickly gaining recognition as one of the nation’s finest, lauded for his luminous tone and stylish interpretations especially in the music of Bach, Bernstein, Handel, Purcell and Vivaldi. Equally at home in the modern recital repertoire, he has gained acclaim for programs of modern classics typically outside the standard countertenor repertory by composers such as Quilter, Brahms, Britten, and Hahn. Carter is a featured soloist on recordings of Bach’s Magnificat in D, Mendelssohn’s Magnificat, and Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri, all of which will be released commercially in late 2008. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 14, 2008 | Hits: 359

“Carmina, directed by Vera Kochanowsky, is an early music vocal ensemble which has been presenting performances regularly in the Washington DC area since 1998. Carmina has been praised by both the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post and was featured in the Washingtonian magazine articles "Perfect Pitch" and "Good Arts Groups You Might Not Know About." Carmina's sister organization, the women's vocal ensemble Illuminare, formed in 2006, has also established a reputation in the Washington area for tastefully persuasive interpretations of early repetoire.

To learn more about Carmina and Illuminare programs, past and future, please click on History and Upcoming Performances. Many of our programs are free or by donation. We hope to see you at a concert in the near future!”

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Added on: Mar 02, 2012 | Hits: 168

"Harmonia Vocal Quartet performs a wide range of music, with a repertoire that ranges from Gregorian chant and early polyphony to Baroque and classical works, madrigals, and contemporary sacred and liturgical music of merit. We are perhaps best known for our performance of Renaissance works by Palestrina, Lassus, Victoria, Tallis, and Byrd.

Formed in 2002, HVQ is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and has sung in Germany, Austria, New York, North Carolina, and throughout East Tennessee. Current members are soprano Maria Rist, mezzo-soprano Mary C. Weaver, tenor Keith Murray, and (depending on their availability) baritones Kenneth Parsons and David Ensley.

The quartet is available for weddings, concerts, special occasions, and religious services in Tennessee and surrounding states. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 02, 2008 | Hits: 403

"Grayson is a soloist and member of various ensembles, holding degrees in vocal performance, 19th Century English Literature, Painting and Printmaking. Having studied at many institutions including Indiana University, University of Montevallo, International Baroque Institute at Longy and the Vancouver Early Music Programme at the School of Music, University of British Columbia, this brilliant musician has brought her skill and expertise in her performances to audiences in the United States and Canada. Plans are currently in progress to expand to venues in Scotland in the next year.

Although extremely versatile, Grayson specialises in the German repertoire of the Romantic and Early Music periods. Grayson's tone is lovely, deep, resonant, and round, with a very low range that extends up 3 octaves. The warmth and timbre of Grayson's voice is extremely well suited for instrumental chamber music with solo voice, cantatas, oratorios, and one-on-a-part vocal ensembles. Grayson has regularly performed Bach and various other cantatas and oratorios as a soloist. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 25, 2008 | Hits: 269

“Singer/whistler/performer Emily Eagen is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, an alum of Macalester College and The University of Madison-Wisconsin, and a former Fulbright scholar to the Hague, the Netherlands. Emily currently lives and works in New York City. She is an active performer of early music, contemporary music, and traditional American music, as well as an avid experimenter in musical genres of all kinds.

Emily is a member of The M6, an ensemble dedicated to exploring and  performing  the works of composer Meredith Monk. She currently performs with the Hesperus Ensemble, singing Sephardic and renaissance music for a live-film performance of the 1920s horror film The Golem. Emily  has performed regularly as a soloist with the mediterranean medieval ensemble Sendebar, and was the 2008 recipient of the Barbara Thornton Memorial Scholarship for medieval music from Early Music America. She can be heard singing harmony on the recently released debut album by singer-songwriter Guillaume Goussault, and sings, whistles, and plays the ukulele with the roots/old-time/early blues band The Whistlin’ Wolves.

A two-time International Whistling Champion, Emily has been known to whistle everything from opera to jazz, and regularly leads workshops in group and solo whistling. In a 2007 Carnegie Hall workshop led by soprano Dawn Upshaw and composer Osvaldo Golijov, Emily premiered The Wane of More, a piece for voice, whistling, and chamber ensemble by composer Gyan Riley. Her whistling has been featured on numerous recordings, was used as live accompaniment to an installation by artist Tony Luensman at the Cincinnati Art Museum for Frank Duveneck’s painting “The Whistling Boy”, and was recently the whistling “voice” of e-bay.

Emily teaches private and group voice lessons in classical, early, contemporary, and traditional American folk genres. She teaches in and around New York City, as well as at various summer festivals including The Amherst Early Music Festival (CT) and The Augusta Heritage Center (WV). She teaches a monthly bluegrass/old-time/gospel harmony class at the Jalopy Theatre and School of Music in Brooklyn with singer Don Friedman, and is a teaching artist in the New York City public schools through Carnegie Hall.“

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Added on: May 04, 2010 | Hits: 429

“The Stanford Early Music Singers specialize in the performance of choral literature from the Medieval and Renaissance eras. EMS typically numbers 25–30 members, with smaller groups occasionally drawn from the ensemble. EMS’s repertoire for the year includes a broad range of literature from England and the Continent presented in the glorious acoustic of Memorial Church.

• To audition, contact Bill Mahrt (mahrt-AT-stanford.edu)
• Early Music Singers meets Tuesdays: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
• Community members are welcome to join at no charge, upon a successful audition.”

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Added on: Jan 16, 2012 | Hits: 184