Skylark is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2011 by Matthew Guard and Sarah Moyer. The group is known for its innovative and engaging performances of early music, contemporary works, and traditional choral repertoire. Skylark has quickly become one of the most sought-after ensembles in the United States, performing at major venues and festivals across the country. Matthew Guard and Sarah Moyer met while studying at the Yale School of Music. They shared a passion for early music and choral singing, and they began performing together as a duo. In 2011, they decided to form a larger ensemble that would allow them to explore a wider range of repertoire and perform in more diverse settings. They named the group Skylark, after the bird that symbolizes freedom and creativity. The founding members of Skylark were Matthew Guard (tenor), Sarah Moyer (soprano), Molly Quinn (soprano), and Eric Christopher Perry (baritone). The group quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional vocal blend and expressive performances. Skylark's repertoire includes works from the Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary periods, as well as folk songs and spirituals. One of Skylark's early highlights was its performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2013. The group performed a program of Renaissance and Baroque music, including works by Monteverdi, Gesualdo, and Palestrina. The performance was praised for its "exquisite vocal blend" and "sensitive interpretation" by the Boston Globe. Skylark has also been recognized for its innovative programming and collaborations with other artists. In 2015, the group collaborated with the Boston-based dance company Urbanity Dance to create a performance called "The Elements." The program featured music by Bach, Vivaldi, and Pärt, as well as contemporary works by Nico Muhly and Caleb Burhans. The performance was praised for its "seamless integration of music and dance" by the Boston Herald. Skylark has also been recognized for its recordings. The group's debut album, "Crossing Over," was released in 2016 and features works by Bach, Barber, and Pärt. The album was praised for its "impeccable vocal blend" and "sensitive interpretation" by Gramophone magazine. Skylark's second album, "Seven Words from the Cross," was released in 2019 and features works by composers including James MacMillan, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and Thomas Tallis. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Choral Performance category. Skylark has undergone some changes in its membership over the years, but the group's commitment to excellence and innovation has remained constant. The current members of Skylark are Matthew Guard (tenor and artistic director), Sarah Moyer (soprano), MaryRuth Lown (soprano), Megan Chartrand (soprano), Sarah Yanovitch (mezzo-soprano), Eric Christopher Perry (baritone), and Joel Nesvadba (bass). Skylark continues to perform at major venues and festivals across the United States, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, and the Carmel Bach Festival in California. The group is also committed to education and outreach, and regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for students and community groups. In conclusion, Skylark is a classical music ensemble that has quickly become one of the most respected and innovative groups in the United States.

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