Fair Oriana is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 in London, England. The group is named after the character Oriana from Edmund Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie Queene," which tells the story of a knight's quest to win the love of the queen. The name Fair Oriana reflects the group's commitment to performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, which were characterized by their ornate and intricate melodies. The founding members of Fair Oriana were soprano Emily Atkinson, mezzo-soprano Hannah Ely, tenor William Petter, and bass-baritone James Arthur. All four members had extensive experience performing in choirs and ensembles, and they shared a passion for early music. They decided to form Fair Oriana as a way to explore the rich repertoire of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods and to bring this music to a wider audience. Fair Oriana's repertoire includes works by composers such as William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, John Dowland, and Henry Purcell. The group's performances are characterized by their precision and attention to detail, as well as their ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of the music. Fair Oriana's members are all accomplished soloists in their own right, and they bring their individual talents and strengths to the ensemble's performances. One of Fair Oriana's most notable performances was their debut concert, which took place in London in 2012. The concert featured works by Byrd, Tallis, and other Renaissance composers, and it was praised for its "exquisite harmonies" and "impeccable phrasing." The group's performance of Tallis's "Spem in alium," a 40-part motet, was particularly impressive, with critics noting the "seamless blend" of the voices and the "thrilling climax" of the piece. Fair Oriana has since gone on to perform at a number of prestigious venues and festivals, including the Brighton Early Music Festival, the London Festival of Baroque Music, and the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with other ensembles and musicians, including the viol consort Fretwork and the lutenist Elizabeth Kenny. In addition to their live performances, Fair Oriana has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Fair Oriana: Songs for Queen Elizabeth I," was released in 2016 and features works by composers who were active during Elizabeth's reign. The album was praised for its "crystalline harmonies" and "impeccable diction," and it received a five-star review from BBC Music Magazine. Fair Oriana has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2014, the group was awarded the prestigious York Early Music International Young Artists Competition, which recognizes outstanding young ensembles in the field of early music. The group was also named a Rising Star Ensemble by the Brighton Early Music Festival in 2015. Fair Oriana continues to be a leading ensemble in the field of early music, and their performances and recordings are highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. The group's commitment to exploring the rich repertoire of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods has helped to bring this music to a wider audience and to ensure that it remains a vital and vibrant part of the classical music tradition.

More....