Role

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Ensemble

 

Sarasa Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 by cellist Timothy Merton and harpsichordist Michael Sponseller. The ensemble is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. The founding members of Sarasa Ensemble were Timothy Merton, Michael Sponseller, and violinist Christina Day Martinson. The ensemble was formed with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of Baroque and Classical music, and bringing it to audiences in the Boston area. Over the years, Sarasa Ensemble has grown to include a number of other talented musicians, including violinists Elizabeth Blumenstock and Jesse Irons, violist Jenny Stirling, cellist Jennifer Morsches, and bassist Anne Trout. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest artists, including soprano Dominique Labelle and flutist Emi Ferguson. Sarasa Ensemble has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Library of Congress. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing in cities such as New York, Washington D.C., London, and Paris. One of the highlights of Sarasa Ensemble's career was their performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2003. The ensemble performed a program of music by J.S. Bach, including his Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and his Concerto for Two Violins in D minor. The performance was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality, and helped to establish Sarasa Ensemble as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the United States. Another notable performance by Sarasa Ensemble was their collaboration with soprano Dominique Labelle in 2010. The ensemble and Labelle performed a program of music by Handel, including his famous aria "Lascia ch'io pianga" from the opera Rinaldo. The performance was praised for its emotional depth and expressive power, and helped to cement Sarasa Ensemble's reputation as a versatile and dynamic ensemble. In addition to their performances, Sarasa Ensemble has also received a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2002, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant, which allowed them to develop educational programs and outreach initiatives in the Boston area. The ensemble has also been featured on a number of recordings, including their critically acclaimed album "Bach: The Art of Fugue," which was released in 2012. Overall, Sarasa Ensemble has established itself as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the United States, known for its virtuosity, musicality, and versatility. With a talented roster of musicians and a commitment to exploring the rich repertoire of Baroque and Classical music, Sarasa Ensemble is sure to continue delighting audiences for years to come.

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