Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Rare Fruits Council is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The group was founded in 1995 by Manfredo Kraemer, a violinist and conductor who had previously worked with other early music ensembles such as La Petite Bande and Les Musiciens du Louvre. Kraemer's vision for Rare Fruits Council was to create a group that would explore the lesser-known repertoire of the Baroque and Renaissance periods, with a particular focus on the music of Italy and France. The ensemble's name was inspired by a book on horticulture that Kraemer had read, which described the cultivation of exotic and rare fruits. The early years of Rare Fruits Council were marked by a series of successful performances in Europe and North America. The group's first recording, "La Folia," was released in 1997 and received critical acclaim for its innovative interpretations of Baroque music. In 2001, Rare Fruits Council was invited to perform at the prestigious Festival de Saintes in France, where they presented a program of Italian Baroque music that was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. This performance helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of early music in Europe. Over the years, Rare Fruits Council has continued to perform at major festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The group has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the soprano Maria Cristina Kiehr and the ensemble Les Arts Florissants. In addition to their live performances, Rare Fruits Council has released several critically acclaimed recordings, including "Leclair: Sonatas for Two Violins," "Lully: Ballet Music for the Sun King," and "Vivaldi: Concerti per la Pietà." These recordings have helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of early music in the world. One of the highlights of Rare Fruits Council's career came in 2010, when they were awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for their recording of "Leclair: Sonatas for Two Violins." This award is considered one of the highest honors in the classical music world and is given to recordings that are deemed to be of exceptional quality. Despite their success, Rare Fruits Council remains committed to their original vision of exploring the lesser-known repertoire of the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The group continues to seek out and perform music that has been overlooked or forgotten by other ensembles, and their innovative interpretations have helped to shed new light on this rich and diverse musical tradition. In conclusion, Rare Fruits Council is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of early music. Founded by Manfredo Kraemer in 1995, the group has established a reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Baroque and Renaissance music in the world. Their innovative interpretations and commitment to exploring lesser-known repertoire have helped to shed new light on this rich and diverse musical tradition, and their numerous performances and recordings have earned them critical acclaim and numerous awards.

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