Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Consort of Musicke is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been active since the 1960s. The ensemble was founded by the English lutenist and conductor Anthony Rooley, who remains its artistic director to this day. Rooley's vision was to create a group that would specialize in the performance of Renaissance and Baroque music, using historically informed techniques and instruments. The ensemble's name is a reference to the consort, a type of ensemble that was popular in the Renaissance and consisted of a group of instruments of the same family, such as viols or recorders. Consort of Musicke has expanded on this concept to include a wide range of instruments, including lutes, harpsichords, organs, and various wind and string instruments. Over the years, Consort of Musicke has featured a rotating cast of musicians, but some of its most notable members have included sopranos Emma Kirkby and Evelyn Tubb, tenor Nigel Rogers, and bass Michael George. These musicians have all been recognized for their exceptional vocal abilities and their commitment to historically informed performance practices. One of the highlights of Consort of Musicke's career was its participation in the 1973 recording of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest recordings of the piece ever made. The ensemble was also involved in the recording of several other important works of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including the music of John Dowland, William Byrd, and Claudio Monteverdi. In addition to its recordings, Consort of Musicke has also been recognized for its live performances. The ensemble has toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, performing at major festivals and concert halls. Some of its most notable performances include a 1976 concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, a 1980 performance at the Edinburgh Festival, and a 1990 concert at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Consort of Musicke has also been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1975, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Dowland's Lachrimae. It has also been recognized by the International Record Critics' Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Edison Award, among others. Despite its many achievements, Consort of Musicke has remained committed to its original mission of promoting historically informed performance practices and bringing the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods to a wider audience. The ensemble continues to perform and record to this day, and its influence on the world of classical music is undeniable.

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