Role

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Ensemble

 

La Chimera is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2001 by Argentinean musician Eduardo Egüez. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of early music and traditional Argentinean music, creating a sound that is both innovative and captivating. Eduardo Egüez, who serves as the ensemble's artistic director and lutenist, was born in Buenos Aires in 1959. He began his musical studies at the age of seven, and went on to study at the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires. He later moved to Europe, where he studied with renowned lutenist Hopkinson Smith. In 2001, Egüez founded La Chimera with the goal of exploring the connections between early music and traditional Argentinean music. The ensemble takes its name from the Greek mythological creature, the chimera, which was said to be a combination of different animals. Similarly, La Chimera combines different musical styles and influences to create a unique sound. The ensemble's main members include Eduardo Egüez on lute, guitar, and direction; Mariana Flores on vocals; Pablo Valetti on violin; Daniel Zapico on theorbo and baroque guitar; Patxi Montero on percussion; and José Manuel Navarro on viola da gamba. The ensemble also collaborates with other musicians and vocalists on various projects. La Chimera has performed at major music festivals and venues around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Festival de Saintes, the Festival de Sablé, and the Festival de Ambronay. The ensemble has also performed at prestigious concert halls such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Konzerthaus in Vienna, and the Wigmore Hall in London. One of the highlights of La Chimera's career was their performance of the opera "La púrpura de la rosa" by Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco at the Festival de Sablé in 2005. The opera, which was first performed in Lima, Peru in 1701, is considered to be the first opera composed in the Americas. La Chimera's performance was praised for its authenticity and energy, and helped to bring attention to this important piece of musical history. In addition to their performances, La Chimera has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "La Chimera: Music from the Time of Cervantes," was released in 2003 and features music from the Spanish Golden Age. The ensemble's second album, "La Chimera: Folías Criollas," was released in 2006 and explores the connections between early music and traditional Argentinean music. La Chimera has received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 2004, the ensemble was awarded the Diapason d'Or for their recording of "La púrpura de la rosa." They were also awarded the Choc de la Musique in 2006 for their recording of "Folías Criollas." In addition, the ensemble has been nominated for several Latin Grammy Awards. Overall, La Chimera is a unique and innovative ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Through their exploration of the connections between early music and traditional Argentinean music, they have created a sound that is both fresh and timeless. Their performances and recordings have been praised for their authenticity, energy, and creativity, and they continue to inspire audiences around the world.

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