Role

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Ensemble

 

Baroque and Blue is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1995 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for blending the sounds of Baroque music with the improvisational style of jazz. The ensemble's unique sound has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans around the world. The founding members of Baroque and Blue were violinist Rachel Barton Pine, harpsichordist Jory Vinikour, and jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs. Pine and Vinikour had previously collaborated on a recording of Bach's Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord, and they were eager to explore the possibilities of combining their classical training with Childs' jazz background. The ensemble's early performances were a mix of Baroque and jazz standards, with Pine and Vinikour playing the classical pieces and Childs improvising around them. The trio quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic playing and innovative arrangements, and they were soon invited to perform at major music festivals and concert halls around the world. One of the ensemble's early highlights was a performance at the Ravinia Festival in 1997, where they shared the stage with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. The concert was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Baroque and Blue as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in classical music. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include a rotating cast of musicians, including cellist Matt Haimovitz, flutist Tara Helen O'Connor, and percussionist Jamey Haddad. Despite these changes, the core trio of Pine, Vinikour, and Childs has remained the driving force behind the ensemble's sound and vision. In addition to their live performances, Baroque and Blue has released several acclaimed recordings, including their self-titled debut album in 1996 and their 2013 release, "Bach: The Art of Fugue." The latter album was particularly well-received, with critics praising the ensemble's "seamless integration of Baroque and jazz elements" and their "impeccable musicianship." Baroque and Blue has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2003, they received a Grammy nomination for their album "Capricho Latino," which featured a mix of classical and Latin American music. They have also been awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and have been featured on NPR's "Performance Today" and "All Things Considered." Despite their success, Baroque and Blue remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new ways to blend different musical styles. Their performances are always fresh and exciting, and they continue to inspire audiences around the world with their innovative approach to classical music.

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