Period

:

Baroque

 

Ensemble Villancico is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 2005 by its artistic director, Carlos Mena, a renowned countertenor and musicologist from Spain. Mena's vision for the ensemble was to create a group that would explore the rich and diverse repertoire of early music from Spain and Latin America, with a particular focus on the villancico, a popular form of Spanish vocal music that flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries. The ensemble's name, Villancico, is a nod to this musical tradition. The ensemble's core members are all highly accomplished musicians with extensive experience in early music performance. In addition to Mena, the ensemble includes sopranos Marta Infante and Elisa Franzetti, tenor Juan Carlos Rivera, and bass Josep Cabré. The ensemble is often joined by guest musicians on various instruments, including viols, lutes, and percussion. Ensemble Villancico has performed extensively throughout Europe and Latin America, earning critical acclaim for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The ensemble has appeared at major festivals and concert series, including the Festival de Música Antigua de Úbeda y Baeza, the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada, and the Festival de Música Antigua de Aranjuez. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 2010 concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, which was recorded and released as a live album. The concert featured a program of Spanish and Latin American villancicos, including works by Juan del Encina, Francisco Guerrero, and Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in the Best Classical Album category. Ensemble Villancico has also been recognized for its recordings of early music, which have received numerous awards and accolades. The ensemble's 2012 album, "Villancicos y Danzas Criollas," which featured music from colonial Latin America, was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or by the French music magazine Diapason. The ensemble's 2015 album, "El Fuego," which explored the theme of fire in early music, was named one of the best classical albums of the year by the Spanish newspaper El País. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble Villancico is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience. Ensemble Villancico's dedication to the exploration and performance of early music has made it one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the field. With its virtuosic musicianship, innovative programming, and commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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