Genre

:

Choral

 

Calmus Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1999 in Leipzig, Germany. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of voices and its ability to perform a wide range of musical styles, from Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary and pop. The founding members of Calmus Ensemble were five former members of the St. Thomas Boys Choir in Leipzig: Sebastian Krause (countertenor), Tobias Pöche (tenor), Markus L. Ludwig (baritone), Ludwig Böhme (bass), and Stefan Kahle (tenor). The group took its name from the Latin word "calmus," which means "reed" or "pipe," and reflects the ensemble's focus on vocal music. From the beginning, Calmus Ensemble set out to create a new sound in vocal music by combining the traditional choral style with elements of jazz, pop, and folk music. The group's repertoire includes works by Bach, Schubert, and Brahms, as well as arrangements of popular songs by The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and others. One of the highlights of Calmus Ensemble's early career was its performance at the 2001 Leipzig Bach Festival, where the group received critical acclaim for its interpretation of Bach's motets. The ensemble's success at the festival led to invitations to perform at other major music festivals in Germany and throughout Europe. In 2003, Calmus Ensemble released its first album, "Liederbuch," which featured a collection of German folk songs and popular songs from the 20th century. The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish the group as one of the leading vocal ensembles in Germany. Over the years, Calmus Ensemble has continued to perform at major music festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The group has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the Leipzig String Quartet and the German Brass. In addition to its live performances, Calmus Ensemble has released several albums, including "Christmas Carols" (2005), "Folksongs" (2007), and "Madrigals" (2010). The group's recordings have received numerous awards and nominations, including the Echo Klassik Award and the German Record Critics' Award. One of the most notable performances in Calmus Ensemble's history was its appearance at the 2012 London Olympics, where the group performed at the German Olympic House. The ensemble's performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world and helped to raise the profile of the group on the international stage. In recent years, Calmus Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of vocal music by exploring new styles and genres. The group's most recent album, "All the World's a Stage" (2019), features a collection of songs from musicals and operas, including "West Side Story" and "The Magic Flute." Today, Calmus Ensemble is recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting vocal ensembles in the world. The group's unique sound and dynamic performances have earned it a loyal following of fans and critics alike, and its members continue to inspire and delight audiences with their passion for music.

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