Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Elyma is a classical music ensemble that specializes in early music, particularly from the Mediterranean region. The ensemble was founded in 1982 by Swiss conductor Gabriel Garrido, who remains its artistic director to this day. Garrido was born in Argentina in 1952 and grew up in a family of musicians. He studied music in Buenos Aires and later in Europe, where he became interested in early music and the historical performance practice movement. In 1982, he founded Ensemble Elyma in Geneva, Switzerland, with the aim of exploring the rich musical traditions of the Mediterranean region. The ensemble's name, Elyma, is derived from the ancient city of Elymais, which was located in what is now Iran and was known for its rich musical culture. The name reflects the ensemble's interest in exploring the diverse musical traditions of the Mediterranean, from the Middle East to Spain and Italy. Ensemble Elyma's core members are a group of highly skilled musicians who specialize in early music and historical performance practice. The ensemble typically performs with a combination of vocalists and instrumentalists, including period instruments such as the lute, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Over the years, Ensemble Elyma has gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic performances, which often incorporate elements of theater and dance. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 1999 production of Monteverdi's opera L'Orfeo, which was staged in collaboration with the Swiss theater company Théâtre de la Cité. The production was praised for its innovative staging and use of multimedia elements, and it received the prestigious Prix de la Critique award in Switzerland. Ensemble Elyma has also been recognized for its recordings, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. The ensemble's 2001 recording of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 was awarded the Diapason d'Or and the Choc de la Musique, two of the most prestigious awards in the classical music industry. In addition to its performances and recordings, Ensemble Elyma is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and it has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience. Overall, Ensemble Elyma has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music, known for its innovative and dynamic performances, its commitment to historical performance practice, and its dedication to education and outreach. With Gabriel Garrido at the helm, the ensemble continues to explore the rich musical traditions of the Mediterranean and to push the boundaries of early music performance.

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