Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Switzerland

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Ensemble P.A.N., also known as Project Ars Nova, is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of medieval and Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 1991 by two musicians, Crawford Young and Susie Napper, who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Crawford Young, a Canadian lutenist and musicologist, and Susie Napper, an American cellist and gambist, met in the early 1980s while studying at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland. They quickly discovered a shared interest in early music and began performing together as a duo. In 1991, they decided to form Ensemble P.A.N. as a way to expand their repertoire and explore the possibilities of performing early music with a larger ensemble. The name "P.A.N." stands for "Project Ars Nova," a reference to the 14th-century musical style that marked a significant shift in the development of Western music. The ensemble's mission is to bring this rich and varied repertoire to life for modern audiences, using historically informed performance practices and a deep understanding of the music's cultural and historical context. Ensemble P.A.N. is made up of a core group of musicians who specialize in early music performance on a variety of instruments, including lute, viola da gamba, recorder, harp, and percussion. The ensemble also collaborates with guest artists and vocalists to create a rich and diverse sound. Over the years, Ensemble P.A.N. has performed at major festivals and concert series around the world, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Utrecht Early Music Festival, and the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht. The ensemble has also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including "The Black Dragon" and "The Garden of Earthly Delights," which showcase the group's virtuosity and sensitivity to the nuances of early music. One of the highlights of Ensemble P.A.N.'s career was their performance at the 1996 Utrecht Early Music Festival, where they presented a program of music by the 14th-century composer Guillaume de Machaut. The performance was hailed as a triumph of historical authenticity and musical sensitivity, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading interpreters of early music in the world. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble P.A.N. is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, sharing their knowledge and expertise in the field of early music performance. Ensemble P.A.N. has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Diapason d'Or award for their recording of Machaut's "Messe de Nostre Dame." The ensemble's commitment to excellence and their passion for early music continue to inspire audiences around the world, making them one of the most respected and beloved ensembles in the field of early music performance.

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