CappellAntiqua is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing early music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 1995 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for historical performance practices and the exploration of early music repertoire. The founding members of CappellAntiqua were soprano Maria Cristina Kiehr, tenor Gerd Türk, and bass Harry van der Kamp. They were joined by a rotating cast of instrumentalists, including violinists Chiara Banchini and Enrico Gatti, viola da gamba player Paolo Pandolfo, and harpsichordist Andrea Marcon. From the beginning, CappellAntiqua was committed to performing early music with historical accuracy and authenticity. The ensemble used period instruments and followed the performance practices of the time, including improvisation and ornamentation. They also researched and rediscovered forgotten or neglected works from the early music repertoire, bringing them to new audiences. One of the highlights of CappellAntiqua's early career was their recording of Heinrich Schütz's "Musikalische Exequien" in 1996. The recording was praised for its clarity and sensitivity to the text, and it won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award. The ensemble went on to record several more albums, including works by Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Antonio Vivaldi. CappellAntiqua also gained a reputation for their live performances, which were known for their energy and passion. The ensemble toured extensively throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, performing in major concert halls and festivals. They were particularly well-received in Japan, where they performed at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo and the Osaka Symphony Hall. In addition to their performances and recordings, CappellAntiqua was also committed to education and outreach. They conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and they collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring early music to new audiences. Over the years, the membership of CappellAntiqua changed as some members left to pursue other projects and new members joined. However, the ensemble remained committed to their mission of performing early music with historical accuracy and authenticity. They continued to explore new repertoire and to push the boundaries of early music performance. Today, CappellAntiqua is still active, although they perform less frequently than in their early years. The ensemble has left a lasting legacy in the world of early music, inspiring countless musicians and audiences with their passion and dedication to historical performance practices.

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