EarlyMusicNews.org

“If Wales is known as the Land of Song, the tunes have had to take a back seat until the arrival of Crasdant - the foremost instrumental band of the country.

Take four gifted instrumentalists, all with impeccable solo musical credentials, combining out of mutual respect and with a focussed aim of placing the Welsh instrumental canon alongside its Celtic brethren.

Crasdant mix the traditional harp of Wales, the unique triple harp, with flutes, fiddle, accordion, guitar and Welsh reed instrument - the pibgorn. Adding a terpsichorean spice to the mix is the flamboyant step-dancing of a champion clogger. …”

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Added on: Mar 14, 2012 | Hits: 1955

"Daughters of Elvin were formed in 1996 with the aim of presenting early music in a new and exciting way and of reaching as diverse an audience as possible. Evoking the spirit of Medieval Europe with music, masks, dance and giant stilt puppets, they give powerful displays of colour, movement and sound. Based around carefully researched music, they bring to life images inspired by medieval paintings, carvings and literature and are equally at home at festivals, churches, art centres, street and outdoor events. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 1940

"Ensemble DeNOTE’s musical approach returns to the roots of eighteenth-century performance style, exploring the soundworld of period instruments and integrating the latest scholarly research with a passion for live musical communication.

DeNOTE’s core programming focuses on classical era chamber music (broadly 1750-1820). Our basic configuration is clarinet, violin, viola, cello, fortepiano, from which quintets, quartets and trios by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and their Viennese contemporaries form our staple repertoire.

Ensemble DeNOTE’s performances bring novel perspectives to this music, combining the soundworld of period instruments and playing techniques with a bold expressive approach that goes beyond the notated texts into the world of creative improvisation. ..."

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Added on: May 21, 2015 | Hits: 2165

"We are a merry band of professional minstrels who provide a truly authentic flavour of Elizabethan England. Our music, instruments and costumes are all accurately researched, but we're not hardened academics. We play music that's an instant hit with most audiences.

We use 16th century improvisation techniques to keep the music fresh. Every performance is different, and we make sure that the tempo, style and instrumentation change regularly. No-one gets bored at a Diabolus gig. " ...

Added on: Aug 22, 2007 | Hits: 2359

"Four Temperaments, previously known as Donum Musicum was established at the Royal Academy of Music in September 2005. The group benefitted from coaching with Historical Perfomance specialists such as Lisa Beznosiuk, Laurence Cummings, Nicolette Moonen and Jenny Ward-Clarke.

The quartet was awarded a prestigious Leverhulme Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music for 2007/2008. The group will act as an ensemble-in-residence at the Academy, working alongside current students in various areas of performance

In June 2006 Donum Musicum were awarded the prestigious Royal Academy of Music Friends' Early Music Prize. Representing four different nations (Finland, Great Britain, Hungary and Poland), the group derives its name in the neutral language of Latin, from the piece with which they won the RAM Friends prize and which was written specifically for their combination of instruments – The Musical Offering Trio Sonata by J. S. Bach. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 2049

"The Dufay Collective has been performing and recording its unique brand of early music for twenty years. During this time the group has performed at major festivals and toured throughout the world, receiving critical acclaim from Cairo to Carlisle. The group has made a series of successful recordings of a wide ranging repertoire of instrumental and vocal music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including the Grammy nominated 'Cancionero'.

They can also be heard on the soundtracks of several feature films including. The Dufays have just recorded their second disc for Harmonia Mundi USA, being 'The Play Of Daniel'. To mark their twentieth anniversary, the group has embarked upon a series of long term projects, including the forthcoming ‘Alchemy’ project with Andalusian ensemble Al Quimia. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 2071

“Winners of the 2008 Midem Baroque Award and the 2007 Classic FM Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Album for their recording of Handel’s Dublin Messiah (Linn CKD 285), Dunedin Consort & Players, under the combined Artistic Direction of John Butt, Susan Hamilton and Philip Hobbs, performs throughout Scotland and Europe

Under the musical direction of John Butt the group has consolidated its existing strength in the Baroque repertoire. Dunedin's commitment to excellence in both live performances and recordings, coupled with the latest research in historical performance, is complemented by its strong belief in supporting new music. As part of its contemporary strand, Dunedin has commissioned and performed works by living composers - including William Sweeney, Errollyn Wallen, Peter Nelson and Sally Beamish - to complement and enhance the meaning of the old masterpieces.

Dunedin has performed at music festivals in Scotland - including the Edinburgh International Festival -, Canada, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Israel and France, and broadcasts frequently on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Scotland.  …”

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Added on: Nov 20, 2011 | Hits: 2941

"Duo Dorado has been charming audiences since 1999. Hazel and David are two prize-winning early-music specialists who are passionate about the music of the baroque era. Slick, dynamic and accessible, Duo Dorado concerts frequently elicit standing ovations.

Our programmes mix great composers such as Vivaldi, Bach and Handel with other rare treats. Wild, sweet, passionate, flirtatious, our music ranges from the exciting new styles of the early seventeenth century to high-baroque and pre-classical masterpieces. We always talk to the audience and often introduce the music with readings and anecdotes. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 2442

"Faye Newton and Hazel Brooks met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where they discovered a shared passion for medieval music and poetry. They subsequently worked together in the award-winning ensemble Concanentes and in the year 2000 they formed ‘duo Trobairitz’ to explore the courtly song repertoire of the troubadours and trouvères, which is especially appropriate to their combination of voice and vielle. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 2189

"From Medieval chant to the slightly scandalous ditties of the English court to the haunting strains of Sephardic Music, the Early Music Players' concerts are authentic, moving, and always thoroughly entertaining.
Elegant period garb, an astonishing array of early instruments and songs in their original languages as well as modern translations provide a thrill for the ears and a feast for the eyes.
The ensemble has been performing Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music since 1972, delighting listeners and garnering critical acclaim throughout the New York metropolitan area, from The 92nd Street Y, St. Bartholomew's Great Music Series, and Music at St. Peter's in Morristown to housewarmings and weddings. The Early Music Players have also been featured on WNET/Channel 13 and on New Jersey Network's "State of the Arts." ...

Added on: Aug 22, 2007 | Hits: 2195

“Emerald Baroque is a dynamic ensemble focusing on enchanting music inspired by Ireland. The group performs Celtic Baroque music led by Bridget Cunningham on the harpsichord with Laura Justice (recorders), Farran Scott (baroque violin), Jennifer Bullock (viol, baroque cello), Eleanor Harrison (baroque violin) and Breda McKinney (soprano) They have recently recorded 'Ireland's Enchantment', featuring early Irish tunes and new compositions and arrangements, in a modern approach performed on baroque instruments. Music includes folk songs, new pieces, harpsichord music, instrumental music as well as baroque music by composers such as O'Carolan and his contemporaries.

Emerald also commissions new works and are available for recording, film work, festivals, concerts and lecture recitals. Other programmes include 'Handel in Dublin' and previous concerts include Camden New Town Festival, Winchester Early Music Festival, Handel House Museum, Brighton Early Music Festival and the Workshops Series 2010.“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 1950

“Formed in 2011 to explore the virtuoso wind music from the 18th century, the Edinburgh based Ensemble Marsyas counts amongst its members some of the finest historical instrumentalists working in Europe today. Having first met whilst studying in Basel and performing with the European Union Baroque Orchestra, the core members of the ensemble went on to win first prize and audience prize at the 2007 Brugge International Competition playing the music of Zelenka. Each member has since established themselves at the forefront of the profession and individually they have been awarded accolades by both critics and the recording industry alike.

Added on: Nov 08, 2012 | Hits: 1943

“Since its formation in 2006, multi award-winning Ensemble Meridiana has established itself as one of Europe’s finest Baroque ensembles of it’s generation. The five members of Ensemble Meridiana come from four different countries and met during their studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel, Switzerland where they specialised in early music.

Added on: Nov 20, 2011 | Hits: 1945

"Ensemble Telemania takes its name from the German baroque composer, Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) and is a baroque chamber music ensemble specialising in the performance of 17th and 18th century repertoire on period instruments.

Concert appearances have included: Charlton House, Waltham Abbey Church, St. Hilda's College Oxford, The Town Church in St.Peter Port Guernsey, The Foundling Museum, Southwark Cathedral and the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. In May 2006, Ensemble Telemania won the Ella Kidney prize for Early Music at Trinity College of Music, London. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 23, 2008 | Hits: 2110

“With so much to play, it’s hard to know where to begin.  But the truth is that we began ensembleF2 in the spring of 2009 with concerts up and down the country performing great works of Haydn and Mozart.  The focus of these performances was our two Wigmore Hall concerts in London.  Playing to delighted audiences ensembleF2 launched with large and small ensemble pieces from two giants of the music world.

We play music we love and want  to do that on the instruments which seem to suit the repertoire best.  It involves a lot of research, trying out, listening and reflecting but we think it’s worth it and makes our job so much more interesting.  Assembling and Ensembling with friends and deeply respected colleagues allows us to constantly learn from each other and we relish the journey ahead.

Our future programmes will present a groundbreaking approach to period performance using the research and knowledge gained in our individual fields and working to the highest musical standards in our power.“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 1902

" The formation of the Etesian Ensemble in 1999 brought together five musicians committed to performing the great wealth of chamber music from the classical and romantic periods for fortepiano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon. Performances of this exciting repertoire are rarely heard on today's concert platform, therefore the Etesian Ensemble set out to bring their vibrant, explorative interpretation of such works to a wider audience.

In concert, the ensemble presents established classics such as the exquisite Mozart Quintet for Fortepiano and Winds, which Mozart himself described as it as “the best thing I have ever composed in my life”, alongside lesser known and recently discovered works that deserve the attention of today’s audience.

All five members of the ensemble are active in the period performance world, working with established orchestras such as The Academy of Ancient Music, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, Europa Galante, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, La Petite Bande, The Kings Consort and The Gabrieli Consort. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 08, 2008 | Hits: 1903

"Leading players of European orchestras such as the English Concert, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, the Orchestra of Age of Enlightenment and Il Giardino Armonico have pledged time to work in this unique and remarkable international formation. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 2028

"From its home in Birmingham, Ex Cathedra has established an international reputation as a leading UK choir and Early Music ensemble. Under founder and Artistic Director, Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is known for its vibrant performances and a passion for seeking out not only the best but the unfamiliar and the unexpected in the choral repertoire. Since its formation in 1969, Ex Cathedra has grown into a unique musical resource, comprising specialist choir, vocal consort of ten voices, period-instrument orchestra and thriving education programme.

Recent years have seen a major increase in Ex Cathedra’s national and international reputation thanks to its trail-blazing performances of Early Music – in particular the French and Latin American Baroque – and its role as a leading exponent of choral training and vocal skills education. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 2234

“Enjoy a night of real historical culture and cuisine with Feast the Ancestors.  

Just sit back and enjoy the good food and entertainment that your forefathers knew.

Entertainment (and Catering) for Medieval Banquets, Saxon and Viking Meadhalls, Tudor Feasts, Napoleonic Parties and Roman Festivities!

Experienced historical performers provide music stories and songs for all manner of historical events at venues all over the country.“

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Added on: May 11, 2009 | Hits: 2092

“Fires of Love, the critically acclaimed early music quartet specialising in innovative programmes of Renaissance and early Baroque chamber music,  combining a stunning array of instruments with soprano and baritone voices. …

Fires of Love present music of the period 1500-1700 in an accessible and historically informed style. The music is colourful, dramatic and lively.  Informative programmes focus on lute and guitar songs, set amongst instrumental ensembles, solos, recent discoveries and the group’s own arrangements.   The repertoire spans the breadth of Europe; the unique voice of the Spanish renaissance, the royal courts of war torn 17th century France, the flowering of the Italian baroque and the golden age of Elizabethan lute song.  Instruments include lutes, archlute, theorbo, vihuela, baroque guitar, four-course guitar, recorders (from bass to garklein) and percussion.”

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Added on: Dec 28, 2011 | Hits: 2184

“Flat Pavan is one of the most successful youth music groups in Britain. Based in Glasgow, Flat Pavan performs popular Traditional and Early Music (400 year old songs and dances which you can download and listen to from the website). The group have played in venues all over Britain and 8 Schools Proms. They were also one of only 6 performing groups from Britain invited to join 50 others at the 1994 Biennial ISME (international Society for Music Education) conference in Florida. The group have also played in Italy (including over an hour impromptu to the Pope). ..“ Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2009 | Hits: 1889

“The dynamic ensemble, Fleuri, formed in 2002 after graduating from the Royal College of Music in London, where they were the winners of the Century Fund Prize for Early Music. Specialising in repertoire of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they share a passion for the music of Handel's London and folk-inspired baroque music from around the British Isles and Eire. A distinctive feature of some of their performances is the wearing of sumptuous eighteenth century costume designed and made especially for the ensemble, adding to the visual spectacle and enriching the concert experience for audience and performers alike. …“

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Added on: Sep 07, 2011 | Hits: 1937

"Since its formation in 1991, Florilegium has established a reputation for stylish and exciting interpretations of music from the baroque era to the early romantic revolution. Among the numerous Residencies Florilegium has held over the years was the coveted post of Ensemble in Residence at London’s Wigmore Hall, a position they enjoyed for three seasons from 1998 to 2000. During that time they performed several series of concerts each year and became actively involved in the Hall’s education work. Their last season as Ensemble in Residence featured a six-concert series marking the 250th anniversary of J.S.Bach’s death.

Concert engagements have taken Florilegium throughout Eastern and Western Europe and to North and South America, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Israel and Turkey. The group receives numerous invitations to perform at major international festivals each season and recent concert venues have included the Sydney Opera House, Frick Collection in New York, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, The Concertgebauw in Amsterdam, The Vienna Konzerthaus in Austria, Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Handelhaus in Halle, and Théâtre Grevin in Paris."

Added on: Apr 15, 2007 | Hits: 2232

"Since its London debut in 1986, Fretwork has given concerts and broadcast round the world, made numerous highly successful recordings, set new standards in the performance of the great English music for viol consort, and generated a living repertory for the medium." See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 09, 2008 | Hits: 2415

"The Gabrieli Consort & Players were founded by Paul McCreesh in 1982 and have just celebrated their 25th anniversary season. Initially recognised for their mould-breaking reconstructions of music for historical occasions, they have gone on to captivate audiences worldwide with their bold readings of the masterworks of the baroque and renaissance. They are regularly heard at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and the USA. In partnership with Martin Randall Music Management, they have pioneered new areas of 'cultural tourism' in creating festivals of music in historic centres, including Venice, Rome, Naples, Leipzig, and northern Spain. September 2007 saw the ensemble's largest residency to date as part of the Wratislavia Cantans Festival in Wrocław, Poland, where Paul McCreesh became Artistic Director in 2006. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 2269