Role

:

Ensemble

 

Collegium Vocale 1704 is a Czech classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The group was founded in 2005 by the Czech conductor and harpsichordist Václav Luks, who serves as its artistic director. Since its inception, Collegium Vocale 1704 has become one of the most respected and sought-after Baroque ensembles in Europe, known for its historically informed performances and innovative programming. The group takes its name from the year 1704, which was a significant year in the history of Baroque music. It was the year that Johann Sebastian Bach composed his first cantatas, and it marked the beginning of a new era in music that would see the rise of the Baroque style. Collegium Vocale 1704 seeks to capture the spirit of this era in its performances, using period instruments and historical performance practices to bring the music of the Baroque to life. Collegium Vocale 1704 has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. The group has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená, tenor Mark Padmore, and countertenor Andreas Scholl. One of the highlights of Collegium Vocale 1704's career was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Salzburg Festival in 2012. The performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and musical precision, and it cemented the group's reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach's music. The group has also received critical acclaim for its recordings of Bach's cantatas, which have been praised for their clarity, sensitivity, and attention to detail. In addition to its performances of Bach's music, Collegium Vocale 1704 has also explored the music of other Baroque composers, including Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann. The group's programming is often innovative and thought-provoking, combining well-known works with lesser-known gems and exploring the connections between different composers and styles. Collegium Vocale 1704 has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2010, the group was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for its recording of Bach's cantatas, and in 2013 it received the BBC Music Magazine Award for its recording of Handel's Dixit Dominus. The group has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Choral Performance and Best Classical Vocal Solo. Despite its many achievements, Collegium Vocale 1704 remains committed to its mission of bringing the music of the Baroque to a wider audience. The group frequently performs in churches and other community venues, and it has developed a reputation for its engaging and accessible performances. Through its recordings, performances, and educational initiatives, Collegium Vocale 1704 has become a leading ambassador for the music of the Baroque, inspiring audiences around the world with its passion and artistry.

More....