L'Harmonie des Saisons is a classical music ensemble that specializes in Baroque and early classical music. The ensemble was founded in 2009 by the Canadian harpsichordist and conductor Eric Milnes. The ensemble's name, which translates to "The Harmony of the Seasons," reflects its focus on music from the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when composers often drew inspiration from the natural world. Eric Milnes, who serves as the ensemble's artistic director and harpsichordist, is a highly respected figure in the world of early music. He has performed with many of the world's leading Baroque ensembles, including Les Arts Florissants, Tafelmusik, and the Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra. Milnes is also a sought-after conductor, having led performances with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre Métropolitain, and the Portland Baroque Orchestra, among others. L'Harmonie des Saisons is made up of a core group of musicians who specialize in period instruments. These include violinists Olivier Brault and Mélisande Corriveau, violist Felix Deak, cellist Susie Napper, and flutist Grégoire Jeay. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with guest artists, including singers and instrumentalists. Since its founding, L'Harmonie des Saisons has performed extensively throughout North America and Europe. The ensemble has appeared at many of the world's leading early music festivals, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht, and the Tage Alter Musik Regensburg. The ensemble has also performed at prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, and the Konzerthaus in Vienna. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 2014 appearance at the Montreal Bach Festival, where it presented a program of music by J.S. Bach and his contemporaries. The concert, which featured soprano Suzie LeBlanc as a guest artist, was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. The ensemble has also received critical acclaim for its recordings, which include albums of music by Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. In addition to its performances and recordings, L'Harmonie des Saisons is committed to education and outreach. The ensemble frequently presents workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and it has collaborated with organizations such as the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to bring music to underserved communities. L'Harmonie des Saisons has received numerous awards and accolades for its work. In 2012, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Prix Opus for "Concert of the Year - Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque" for its performance of Handel's "Messiah" with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, Canada's top music award, for its recordings. Overall, L'Harmonie des Saisons is a highly respected and accomplished ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of early music. With its commitment to excellence in performance, education, and outreach, the ensemble is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

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