Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United Kingdom

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Aldeburgh Connection is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1982 by pianists Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata. The ensemble is named after the town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk, England, which is known for its association with the composer Benjamin Britten. Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata met while studying at the University of Toronto, and they quickly discovered a shared passion for art song. They began performing together as a duo, and soon expanded their repertoire to include chamber music and opera. In 1982, they founded Aldeburgh Connection with the goal of promoting the art of song and chamber music in Canada. The ensemble's main members are Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata, who serve as artistic directors and pianists. They are joined by a rotating cast of singers and instrumentalists, including some of Canada's most talented musicians. Over the years, Aldeburgh Connection has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from emerging young performers to established stars of the classical music world. One of the highlights of Aldeburgh Connection's career was their annual concert series, which ran from 1982 to 2013. Each year, the ensemble presented a series of concerts in Toronto and other Canadian cities, featuring a diverse range of repertoire and performers. The series was known for its high artistic standards and innovative programming, and it helped to establish Aldeburgh Connection as one of Canada's leading classical music ensembles. Another major highlight of Aldeburgh Connection's career was their numerous recordings. The ensemble has released over 20 albums, featuring repertoire ranging from Schubert and Schumann to Britten and Barber. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Juno Award for Best Classical Album in 1993. Aldeburgh Connection has also been recognized for their contributions to the Canadian arts community. In 2005, they were awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for their "outstanding contributions to the promotion of Canadian music and the arts." They have also been recognized by the Canadian Music Centre and the Toronto Arts Foundation, among others. Throughout their career, Aldeburgh Connection has remained committed to promoting the art of song and chamber music in Canada. They have commissioned numerous new works from Canadian composers, and have worked tirelessly to promote the careers of young Canadian musicians. Their legacy is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire creativity and innovation.

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