Role

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Ensemble

 

Ensemble Concert Royal Köln is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1980 in Cologne, Germany. The ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music, and has gained a reputation for its historically informed performances. The founding members of Ensemble Concert Royal Köln were the flutist and conductor, Horst-Tanu Margraf, and the harpsichordist, Andreas Staier. Margraf and Staier had met while studying at the Cologne Conservatory, and shared a passion for early music. They decided to form an ensemble that would specialize in the performance of Baroque and Classical music on period instruments. The ensemble's name, Concert Royal Köln, was inspired by the French court orchestra, the Concerts Royaux, which was founded by Louis XIV in the 17th century. The name reflected the ensemble's commitment to performing music from the Baroque and Classical eras in a historically informed manner. Ensemble Concert Royal Köln quickly gained a following in Germany and abroad, and began to perform regularly at festivals and concert series throughout Europe. The ensemble's repertoire included works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Mozart, and its performances were praised for their clarity, precision, and expressive power. One of the highlights of Ensemble Concert Royal Köln's early career was its performance at the 1982 Bach Festival in Leipzig, Germany. The ensemble performed Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, and its performance was hailed as a revelation by critics and audiences alike. The ensemble's use of period instruments and historically informed performance practices brought a new level of authenticity and vitality to the music. Over the years, Ensemble Concert Royal Köln has continued to perform at major festivals and concert series throughout Europe and the United States. The ensemble has also recorded extensively, with over 30 albums to its credit. Its recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Diapason d'Or, the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, and the Echo Klassik. Ensemble Concert Royal Köln's current members include Horst-Tanu Margraf (flute and conductor), Andreas Staier (harpsichord), Rainer Zipperling (cello), and Wilbert Hazelzet (flute). The ensemble also collaborates with a number of guest artists, including the soprano Barbara Schlick and the violinist Midori Seiler. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble Concert Royal Köln is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has established a scholarship program to support the next generation of early music performers. Ensemble Concert Royal Köln's contributions to the world of early music have been widely recognized. The ensemble has received numerous awards and honors, including the Rheinischer Kulturpreis, the WDR Musikpreis, and the Echo Klassik Lifetime Achievement Award. Its recordings and performances have been praised for their technical excellence, musical sensitivity, and historical authenticity. Ensemble Concert Royal Köln's legacy is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of Baroque and Classical music. Through its performances, recordings, and educational initiatives, the ensemble has helped to preserve and promote this rich musical tradition for future generations.

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