Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Concordia is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1999 by cellist Felix Schmidt and pianist David Owen Norris. The ensemble is based in the United Kingdom and is known for its innovative programming and dynamic performances. Felix Schmidt and David Owen Norris met while studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. They shared a passion for chamber music and decided to form an ensemble that would explore the rich repertoire of classical music. They named the ensemble Concordia, which means harmony in Latin. The founding members of Concordia were Felix Schmidt on cello, David Owen Norris on piano, and violinists Elizabeth Layton and Robert Salter. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. They were praised for their ability to bring new life to familiar works and for their willingness to take risks with lesser-known pieces. Over the years, Concordia has had several changes in its membership. The current members of the ensemble are Felix Schmidt on cello, David Owen Norris on piano, violinist Elizabeth Layton, violist Philip Dukes, and clarinetist Michael Whight. Each member of the ensemble is a highly skilled musician with a wealth of experience in the classical music world. Concordia has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Lincoln Center in New York. They have also performed at numerous festivals, including the Cheltenham Festival, the Bath International Music Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival. One of the highlights of Concordia's career was their performance at the BBC Proms in 2004. They performed a program of works by Brahms, including his Piano Quintet in F minor. The performance was highly praised by critics and cemented Concordia's reputation as one of the leading chamber ensembles in the world. Concordia has also been recognized with several awards and accolades. In 2001, they won the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chamber Music Award. They were also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005 for their recording of Brahms' Piano Quintet in F minor. In addition to their performances, Concordia is committed to education and outreach. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians and have worked with organizations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the Royal Academy of Music. Concordia's repertoire is diverse and includes works from the Baroque era to contemporary music. They are particularly known for their performances of works by Brahms, Schumann, and Beethoven. They have also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including Mark-Anthony Turnage and Judith Weir. In conclusion, Concordia is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been praised for its innovative programming and dynamic performances. Founded in 1999 by Felix Schmidt and David Owen Norris, the ensemble has had several changes in its membership over the years. The current members of the ensemble are Felix Schmidt, David Owen Norris, Elizabeth Layton, Philip Dukes, and Michael Whight. Concordia has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals and has been recognized with several awards and accolades. They are committed to education and outreach and have worked with young musicians and organizations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the Royal Academy of Music.

More....