Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Vocal

 

The Toronto Consort is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. Founded in 1972, the group has become one of the most respected and innovative ensembles of its kind in North America. The Toronto Consort was founded by a group of musicians who were interested in exploring the rich and diverse repertoire of early music. The group's founding members included David Fallis, John Pepper, and David Klausner, all of whom were accomplished musicians with a passion for historical performance practices. Over the years, the Toronto Consort has grown and evolved, but its commitment to excellence and innovation has remained constant. Today, the group is led by Artistic Director David Fallis, who has been with the ensemble since its inception. The Toronto Consort's repertoire spans a wide range of styles and periods, from medieval chant to Renaissance polyphony to Baroque opera. The group is known for its meticulous attention to historical performance practices, including the use of period instruments and vocal techniques. One of the highlights of the Toronto Consort's career was its performance of the complete Monteverdi madrigals in 2007. This ambitious project involved the performance of all 165 of Monteverdi's madrigals over the course of several concerts. The project was a major undertaking, but it was also a great success, earning the group critical acclaim and a loyal following. Another notable performance by the Toronto Consort was its production of the medieval play "The Play of Daniel" in 2014. This production was a collaboration with the Toronto Masque Theatre and featured a cast of actors, singers, and instrumentalists. The production was praised for its innovative staging and powerful performances. In addition to its performances, the Toronto Consort has also been recognized for its recordings. The group has released numerous albums over the years, including several that have won awards and critical acclaim. One of the group's most successful recordings was its 2009 album "The Way of the Pilgrim," which featured music from the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The Toronto Consort has also been recognized for its contributions to the cultural life of Toronto and Canada. In 2012, the group was awarded the Roy Thomson Hall Award for Artistic Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the performing arts in Toronto. The group has also been recognized by the Canadian government, receiving the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 2014. Today, the Toronto Consort continues to be a leading force in the world of early music. The group's commitment to excellence and innovation has earned it a loyal following and critical acclaim, and its performances and recordings continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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