Genre

:

Choral

 

Taverner Choir, Consort & Players is a British classical music ensemble that specializes in performing early music. The ensemble was founded in 1973 by Andrew Parrott, a conductor and musicologist who had previously worked with the Early Music Consort of London. Parrott's vision for the ensemble was to create a group that would perform music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods using historically informed performance practices. The ensemble takes its name from John Taverner, a 16th-century English composer who was known for his sacred choral music. Taverner Choir, Consort & Players has become known for its performances of Taverner's music, as well as works by other composers of the same era, such as William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but some of the musicians who have been associated with Taverner Choir, Consort & Players include sopranos Emma Kirkby and Tessa Bonner, tenor Rogers Covey-Crump, and bass Peter Harvey. The ensemble has also worked with guest conductors and soloists, such as Jordi Savall and Nigel Rogers. One of the highlights of Taverner Choir, Consort & Players' career was their performance at the 1980 Proms, a series of classical music concerts held annually in London. The ensemble performed a program of music by Taverner, Tallis, and Byrd, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. The performance was well-received by critics and helped to establish Taverner Choir, Consort & Players as one of the leading early music ensembles in the UK. Another notable performance by the ensemble was their 1991 recording of Handel's Messiah, which was praised for its clarity and authenticity. The recording featured a small choir and orchestra, which was in keeping with the performance practices of Handel's time. The recording won several awards, including a Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording. Taverner Choir, Consort & Players has also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, such as the Hilliard Ensemble and the Academy of Ancient Music. In 2000, the ensemble performed a program of music by Bach and his contemporaries with the Academy of Ancient Music, which was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and later released on CD. In addition to their performances and recordings, Taverner Choir, Consort & Players has also been involved in music education and outreach. The ensemble has given masterclasses and workshops for students and amateur musicians, and has worked with organizations such as the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the Royal Academy of Music. Overall, Taverner Choir, Consort & Players has had a significant impact on the early music scene in the UK and beyond. Their commitment to historically informed performance practices and their high standards of musicianship have earned them a reputation as one of the leading ensembles in their field.

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