Genre

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Choral

 

Cappella Romana is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Byzantine chant and other forms of sacred music from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The group was founded in 1991 by Alexander Lingas, a musicologist and conductor who had studied Byzantine music at the University of Oxford and the University of Athens. Lingas assembled a group of singers and instrumentalists who shared his passion for the music of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and together they began to explore the rich and complex repertoire of Byzantine chant. The group's name, Cappella Romana, is a reference to the Roman-style singing that was used in the Byzantine Empire, and reflects the ensemble's commitment to authenticity and historical accuracy in their performances. Over the years, Cappella Romana has grown in size and reputation, and has become one of the leading ensembles in the world for the performance of Byzantine chant and other forms of sacred music from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The group's main members include a core of singers and instrumentalists who perform regularly with the ensemble, as well as a rotating cast of guest artists who bring their own unique talents and perspectives to the group's performances. One of the highlights of Cappella Romana's career was their performance at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where they were invited to perform at the opening ceremony. The group's performance of Byzantine chant and other traditional music from the Eastern Orthodox Church was a powerful and moving tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Greece and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. In addition to their performance at the Olympic Games, Cappella Romana has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence in France. The group has also released numerous recordings of their performances, which have been widely praised for their beauty, authenticity, and historical accuracy. Cappella Romana has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to innovative and adventurous programming. The group has also been recognized for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of Byzantine chant and other forms of sacred music from the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and has been praised for their ability to bring this music to a wider audience through their performances and recordings. Overall, Cappella Romana is a truly remarkable ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music through their performances of Byzantine chant and other forms of sacred music from the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Their commitment to authenticity, historical accuracy, and innovative programming has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the world for the performance of this rich and complex repertoire.

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