Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

St. James Baroque Players is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1987 by violinist and conductor Simon Standage, who was a member of the Academy of Ancient Music and the English Concert. The ensemble is named after St. James's Church in Piccadilly, London, where it gave its first concert. The main members of the ensemble are Simon Standage (violin), Micaela Comberti (violin), Catherine Weiss (violin), Richard Tunnicliffe (cello), and Terence Charlston (harpsichord). All of these musicians are highly respected in the world of Baroque music and have performed with many other ensembles and orchestras. St. James Baroque Players has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Handel Festival in Halle, Germany. The ensemble has also recorded extensively, with over 20 albums to its name. One of the highlights of St. James Baroque Players' career was its performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1994. This performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. The ensemble has also performed many other works by Handel, including his Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. Another notable performance by St. James Baroque Players was its collaboration with the choreographer Mark Morris on his production of Handel's L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. This production premiered at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels in 1988 and has since been performed around the world. St. James Baroque Players has received many awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 1990, the ensemble won the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Instrumental Recording for its album of Handel's Concerti Grossi, Op. 6. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards and has won the Diapason d'Or and the Choc de la Musique. In addition to its performances and recordings, St. James Baroque Players is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has given many masterclasses and workshops for young musicians and has worked with schools and community groups to promote the appreciation of Baroque music. Overall, St. James Baroque Players is a highly respected and accomplished ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of Baroque music. Its performances and recordings have been widely praised, and its commitment to education and outreach has helped to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers.

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