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Ensemble

 

The Washington Bach Consort is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. Founded in 1977 by J. Reilly Lewis, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and acclaimed Baroque ensembles in the United States. J. Reilly Lewis was a conductor and organist who had a deep passion for the music of Bach. He founded the Washington Bach Consort with the goal of bringing the music of Bach to a wider audience in the Washington, D.C. area. The ensemble's first performance was in December 1977, and it was an immediate success. The Washington Bach Consort is made up of a core group of musicians who perform on period instruments, including harpsichord, organ, viola da gamba, and Baroque violin. The ensemble also features a choir, which performs vocal works by Bach and other Baroque composers. Over the years, the Washington Bach Consort has performed a wide range of works by Bach, including his cantatas, motets, and instrumental works. The ensemble has also performed works by other Baroque composers, such as Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann. One of the highlights of the Washington Bach Consort's history was its performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 1985. This performance was a major milestone for the ensemble, and it helped to establish the Washington Bach Consort as one of the premier Baroque ensembles in the United States. In addition to its performances, the Washington Bach Consort has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble has released several albums, including recordings of Bach's cantatas and motets. These recordings have received critical acclaim and have helped to further establish the Washington Bach Consort's reputation as a leading Baroque ensemble. Another highlight of the Washington Bach Consort's history was its performance at the Kennedy Center in 1995. The ensemble performed Bach's St. Matthew Passion, which was a major event in the Washington, D.C. music scene. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to solidify the Washington Bach Consort's reputation as one of the top Baroque ensembles in the country. Over the years, the Washington Bach Consort has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. The ensemble has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Grammy Awards, and the Washington Area Music Awards, among others. Despite the passing of J. Reilly Lewis in 2016, the Washington Bach Consort continues to perform and record. The ensemble remains committed to its mission of bringing the music of Bach and other Baroque composers to a wider audience, and it continues to be one of the most respected and acclaimed Baroque ensembles in the United States.

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