Calamus Consort is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music. The ensemble is based in the United States and is known for its innovative and engaging performances of music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The founding members of Calamus Consort were soprano Sarah Hawkey, recorder player and percussionist Priscilla Herreid, and lutenist and guitarist Charles Weaver. All three musicians had extensive experience performing early music and were eager to explore new ways of presenting this repertoire to modern audiences. Over the years, Calamus Consort has expanded to include a number of other talented musicians, including violinist Beth Wenstrom, viola da gamba player Arnie Tanimoto, and harpsichordist Avi Stein. The ensemble's core members are all highly respected performers in the early music world and have performed with a wide range of other ensembles and orchestras. One of the hallmarks of Calamus Consort's performances is their commitment to historical accuracy. The ensemble uses period instruments and strives to recreate the sound and style of early music as authentically as possible. At the same time, they are also interested in exploring new ways of interpreting this music and bringing it to life for modern audiences. Calamus Consort has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Amherst Early Music Festival. They have also been featured on a number of radio programs, including NPR's Performance Today and WQXR's The Bach Hour. One of the highlights of Calamus Consort's career was their performance at the 2015 Boston Early Music Festival. The ensemble presented a program of music by the 17th-century Italian composer Barbara Strozzi, which was met with critical acclaim. The Boston Globe praised the ensemble's "exquisite musicianship" and "sensitive, expressive playing." Calamus Consort has also received a number of awards and honors for their performances. In 2016, they were awarded the Early Music America/Naxos Recording Competition prize for their album "The Art of the Caccia," which features music by the 14th-century Italian composer Francesco Landini. The album was praised for its "impeccable musicianship" and "vibrant, engaging performances." In addition to their performances and recordings, Calamus Consort is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has presented workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, and they are passionate about sharing their love of early music with new audiences. Overall, Calamus Consort is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is dedicated to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of early music. With their commitment to historical accuracy and their passion for bringing this music to life, they have established themselves as one of the leading ensembles in the early music world.

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