Ex Cathedra Consort is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 50 years. The ensemble was founded in 1969 by Jeffrey Skidmore, a talented conductor and musicologist who had a passion for early music. Skidmore's vision was to create a group that would specialize in the performance of Renaissance and Baroque music, and he assembled a team of talented musicians who shared his passion. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but its core has remained the same. Skidmore has been the artistic director and conductor since the ensemble's inception, and he has been instrumental in shaping its sound and repertoire. The ensemble's singers and instrumentalists are all highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to bringing the music of the past to life. Ex Cathedra Consort has performed all over the world, and its performances have been met with critical acclaim. The ensemble has won numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional performances, including the prestigious Gramophone Award for Best Early Music Recording in 2004. One of the highlights of Ex Cathedra Consort's career was its performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2012. The performance was a celebration of the 250th anniversary of Handel's death, and it featured a choir of over 500 singers and a full orchestra. The performance was a resounding success, and it received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Another notable performance by Ex Cathedra Consort was its rendition of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Birmingham Symphony Hall in 2016. The performance was a collaboration with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and it featured a cast of world-class soloists. The performance was hailed as a triumph, and it cemented Ex Cathedra Consort's reputation as one of the world's leading ensembles for early music. Ex Cathedra Consort has also been recognized for its recordings, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. The ensemble's recording of Handel's Dixit Dominus won the Gramophone Award for Best Early Music Recording in 2004, and its recording of Bach's St. John Passion was nominated for the same award in 2014. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ex Cathedra Consort is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble runs a number of educational programs for young musicians and singers, and it has worked with schools and community groups to promote the appreciation of early music. Overall, Ex Cathedra Consort is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Its exceptional performances, recordings, and educational programs have earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading ensembles for early music.

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