Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Collegium Pro Musica is a classical music ensemble that has been active for over 50 years. The group was founded in 1969 by conductor and harpsichordist John Ferris, who sought to create a professional ensemble that would specialize in the performance of Baroque and early Classical music. The group's early years were marked by a series of successful performances in the Boston area, including concerts at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. In 1972, the group made its debut at New York's Lincoln Center, performing a program of works by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Over the years, Collegium Pro Musica has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to historical performance practice. The group has collaborated with a number of prominent soloists, including mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, violinist Monica Huggett, and cellist Anner Bylsma. One of the group's most notable achievements was its 1985 recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor, which was hailed by critics as a landmark recording of the work. The recording featured a stellar cast of soloists, including soprano Arleen Auger, mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson, and bass-baritone Robert Holl. In addition to its recordings, Collegium Pro Musica has also been recognized for its live performances. The group has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Grammy nomination for its recording of Handel's Messiah in 1990. One of the group's most memorable performances was its 1999 concert at the Tanglewood Music Festival, where it performed a program of works by Bach and Handel. The concert was broadcast live on National Public Radio and was later released on CD. In recent years, Collegium Pro Musica has continued to perform and record, with a particular focus on the music of Bach and his contemporaries. The group's most recent recording, released in 2018, features works by Bach, Telemann, and Handel. Throughout its history, Collegium Pro Musica has remained committed to its mission of bringing the music of the Baroque and early Classical periods to life. With its impeccable musicianship and dedication to historical performance practice, the group has become one of the most respected ensembles in the classical music world.

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