Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Musica Antiqua New York (MANNY) is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The group was founded in 1979 by Lawrence Rosenwald, a musicologist and lutenist, and Mary Anne Ballard, a viola da gamba player. The ensemble is based in New York City and has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. The founding of MANNY was inspired by a desire to explore the rich and diverse repertoire of early music, which had been largely neglected by mainstream classical music ensembles. Rosenwald and Ballard were both passionate about the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and they saw an opportunity to create a group that would specialize in this repertoire. The early years of MANNY were marked by a series of successful performances and collaborations with other early music ensembles. The group quickly gained a reputation for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming, which often featured lesser-known works by composers such as John Dowland, William Byrd, and Johann Sebastian Bach. One of the highlights of MANNY's early career was a collaboration with the New York Pro Musica Antiqua, a renowned early music ensemble led by Noah Greenberg. The two groups performed together in a series of concerts that were widely praised for their musicality and historical authenticity. Over the years, MANNY has undergone several changes in personnel, but the core of the group has remained consistent. Lawrence Rosenwald and Mary Anne Ballard continue to lead the ensemble, and they are joined by a rotating cast of talented musicians who specialize in early music performance. In addition to its regular concert series, MANNY has also been involved in a number of high-profile performances and collaborations. One of the most notable of these was a performance at the White House in 1998, where the group played for President Bill Clinton and other dignitaries. MANNY has also been recognized for its contributions to the field of early music. In 1995, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Noah Greenberg Award by the American Musicological Society, in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the performance of early music. In recent years, MANNY has continued to push the boundaries of early music performance, exploring new repertoire and collaborating with other musicians and ensembles. The group has also been active in educational outreach, working with schools and community organizations to promote the appreciation of early music. Overall, Musica Antiqua New York has established itself as one of the premier early music ensembles in the United States. With its commitment to historical authenticity and musical excellence, the group has inspired countless musicians and audiences alike, and its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

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