Lachrimae Consort is a classical music ensemble that specializes in early music, particularly music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 2007 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for this type of music and wanted to bring it to a wider audience. The founding members of Lachrimae Consort were all experienced musicians who had played in various other ensembles and orchestras. They included David Greenberg (violin), Lucas Harris (lute), Felix Deak (viola da gamba), and Elyssa Lefurgey-Smith (violin). Over the years, the ensemble has expanded and contracted as members have come and gone, but these four musicians have remained at the core of the group. One of the main goals of Lachrimae Consort is to perform early music in a historically informed way. This means that they use period instruments and try to recreate the sound and style of music as it would have been played in the time it was written. This approach requires a lot of research and study, but it allows the ensemble to bring a unique and authentic sound to their performances. Lachrimae Consort has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals over the years. Some of their most notable performances include appearances at the Boston Early Music Festival, the Montreal Baroque Festival, and the Vancouver Early Music Festival. They have also performed at many smaller venues and churches, bringing their music to audiences of all sizes. One of the highlights of Lachrimae Consort's career was their performance at the 2012 Boston Early Music Festival. They were invited to perform a program of music by the Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi, which was a major undertaking. The ensemble spent months preparing for the performance, studying the music and practicing together. The concert was a huge success, and the ensemble received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to their live performances, Lachrimae Consort has also recorded several albums. Their first album, "Lachrimae: Music of John Dowland," was released in 2009 and received critical acclaim. The album features music by the English composer John Dowland, who was known for his melancholy and introspective style. The ensemble's performance of this music is hauntingly beautiful, and the album is a must-have for fans of early music. Another notable album by Lachrimae Consort is "The Imaginary Baroque," which was released in 2015. This album features music by several composers from the Baroque period, including Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann. The ensemble's performance of this music is lively and energetic, and the album is a great introduction to the music of this period. Over the years, Lachrimae Consort has received many awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2010, they were awarded the Early Music America/Naxos Recording Competition prize for their album "Lachrimae: Music of John Dowland." This award is given to the best early music recording of the year, and it was a major honor for the ensemble. In addition to their musical accomplishments, Lachrimae Consort is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses for students of all ages, and they have worked with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience.

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