Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

The Wasa Baroque Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1992 in Vaasa, Finland, by a group of musicians who shared a passion for Baroque music and historical performance practices. The founding members of the ensemble were violinist and artistic director Tarja Tuupanen, cellist Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, and harpsichordist and organist Jan Lehtola. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include a rotating cast of musicians, depending on the repertoire being performed. The ensemble's name is a nod to the city of Vaasa, which was known as Wasa during the time of the Swedish Empire. The ensemble's mission is to bring the music of the Baroque era to life through historically informed performances that are faithful to the original intentions of the composers. The Wasa Baroque Ensemble has performed extensively throughout Finland and Europe, as well as in the United States and Japan. The ensemble has been praised for its virtuosic playing, attention to detail, and ability to capture the spirit of the Baroque era. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was its performance at the 2006 Boston Early Music Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious early music festivals in the world. The ensemble's performance of Handel's "Acis and Galatea" was met with critical acclaim, and the ensemble was invited back to the festival in 2008 to perform Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas." In addition to its performances, the Wasa Baroque Ensemble has also released several recordings, including "Bach: The Brandenburg Concertos" and "Handel: Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks." The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their clarity, energy, and authenticity. The ensemble has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the Finnish State Prize for Music, one of the highest honors in Finnish music. The ensemble has also been awarded the Emma Award, Finland's equivalent of the Grammy Award, for its recordings. Overall, the Wasa Baroque Ensemble has established itself as one of the premier Baroque music ensembles in the world. With its commitment to historical performance practices and its virtuosic playing, the ensemble has brought the music of the Baroque era to life for audiences around the globe.

More....