Role

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Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

The Crofut Consort is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1978 by William Crofut, a renowned American musician, and his wife Lucy. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of classical, folk, and world music, and has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. William Crofut was born in 1936 in New York City and began his musical career as a boy soprano. He later studied at the Juilliard School of Music and the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in musicology. Crofut was a versatile musician who played a variety of instruments, including the guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and was also a skilled vocalist. In the late 1960s, Crofut began to explore the intersection of classical and folk music, and became interested in the idea of creating an ensemble that would bring together musicians from different musical traditions. In 1978, he founded the Crofut Consort with his wife Lucy, who was also a musician and singer. The original members of the Crofut Consort included William Crofut on guitar and vocals, Lucy Crofut on vocals and percussion, and three other musicians: David Darling on cello, Joel Brown on guitar, and Paul McCandless on oboe and English horn. Over the years, the ensemble has had many different members, but the core of the group has always been the Crofuts. The Crofut Consort's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from traditional folk songs to classical pieces by composers such as Bach and Vivaldi. The ensemble is known for its innovative arrangements, which often incorporate elements of improvisation and experimentation. One of the highlights of the Crofut Consort's career was their performance at the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York. The ensemble was invited to perform at the opening ceremony, and their performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was widely praised for its unique and moving interpretation. The Crofut Consort has also performed at many other prestigious venues and events, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York City, and the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. They have released several albums, including "The World Turned Upside Down" and "A Victorian Noel," which showcase their eclectic and innovative approach to music. In addition to their performances, the Crofut Consort has also been recognized for their contributions to the world of music. They have received numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy nomination for their album "The World Turned Upside Down" and a National Endowment for the Arts grant. Despite the passing of William Crofut in 1999, the Crofut Consort continues to perform and inspire audiences with their unique blend of classical and folk music. The ensemble remains a testament to the vision and creativity of its founder, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together across cultures and traditions.

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