Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

The London Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The ensemble was founded in 1994 by David Staff, a cornett player and musicologist, and Jeremy West, a sackbut player and conductor. The ensemble's name reflects its focus on the cornett and sackbut, two instruments that were popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble's main members are David Staff, Jeremy West, William Lyons (cornett), Adam Woolf (sackbut), and Richard Thomas (sackbut). All of the members are highly skilled musicians who have performed with other early music ensembles and orchestras. The ensemble's repertoire includes music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as contemporary works that are inspired by early music. One of the highlights of the London Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble's career was their performance at the 1996 Proms, a series of classical music concerts held annually in London. The ensemble performed a program of music by Giovanni Gabrieli, a composer who was known for his use of multiple choirs and instrumental groups. The performance was well-received by both the audience and critics, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading early music ensembles in the UK. Another notable performance by the ensemble was their collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2006. The ensemble provided the music for a production of Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," which was directed by Rupert Goold. The music was composed by Adrian Lee, a composer who specializes in early music, and featured the cornett and sackbut prominently. The production was highly acclaimed and helped to bring the ensemble's music to a wider audience. The London Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble has also received several awards for their recordings. In 2002, their recording of music by Giovanni Gabrieli won the Gramophone Award for Best Early Music Recording. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other awards, including the BBC Music Magazine Award and the International Classical Music Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, the London Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, and has worked with organizations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the Royal Academy of Music. Overall, the London Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble is a highly respected and accomplished early music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the field of early music. Their performances and recordings have received critical acclaim, and their commitment to education and outreach has helped to inspire a new generation of early music enthusiasts.

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