Lautten Compagney is a classical music ensemble based in Berlin, Germany. The group was founded in 1984 by Wolfgang Katschner, who still serves as the ensemble's artistic director and conductor. The ensemble's name is derived from the German word "Lautten," which means "lute," and "Compagney," which means "company." The ensemble's main focus is on performing music from the Baroque and Renaissance periods, although they also perform music from other eras. The group is known for their historically informed performances, which aim to recreate the sound and style of the music as it would have been heard during the time it was composed. The ensemble is made up of a core group of musicians, including Wolfgang Katschner on lute and theorbo, and a rotating cast of guest musicians who join the ensemble for specific performances. The group's instrumentation varies depending on the repertoire being performed, but typically includes a combination of strings, winds, and keyboard instruments. Over the years, Lautten Compagney has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. They have also collaborated with a number of renowned soloists, including soprano Simone Kermes and countertenor Andreas Scholl. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was their 2009 production of Handel's opera "Rinaldo" at the Berlin State Opera. The production was directed by Robert Carsen and featured a cast of international opera stars, including David Daniels and Bejun Mehta. The production was widely praised for its innovative staging and the ensemble's virtuosic playing. In addition to their live performances, Lautten Compagney has also released a number of recordings, including several critically acclaimed albums of music by Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel. The ensemble has won numerous awards for their recordings, including the Echo Klassik award and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. Overall, Lautten Compagney has established itself as one of the world's leading ensembles for Baroque and Renaissance music. Their commitment to historically informed performance practices and their virtuosic playing have earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim.

More....