Role

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Ensemble

 

Ensemble Masques is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 2002 by Olivier Fortin, a harpsichordist and organist, and Sophie Gent, a violinist. The ensemble's name is derived from the masks worn by actors in Baroque theater, which symbolize the ensemble's commitment to the theatricality and drama of Baroque music. The ensemble's core members include Olivier Fortin on harpsichord and organ, Sophie Gent on violin, and Francis Colpron on recorder and flute. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with other musicians, including singers and instrumentalists. Ensemble Masques has gained international recognition for its performances of Baroque music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble has performed at major music festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Montreal Baroque Festival, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Wigmore Hall in London. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 2013 concert at the Bachfest Leipzig, a festival dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble performed Bach's Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 2, and 3, to critical acclaim. The concert was recorded and released as a CD by the German label Alpha Classics. Ensemble Masques has also received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2012, the ensemble won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award for its recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. The ensemble has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, Canada's top music award, for its recordings of Baroque music. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble Masques is committed to education and outreach. The ensemble frequently gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring Baroque music to a wider audience. Ensemble Masques has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the world of Baroque music. With its commitment to theatricality and drama, and its virtuosic performances of Bach and other Baroque composers, the ensemble continues to captivate audiences around the world.

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