Academia Jacobus Stainer is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 in Innsbruck, Austria. The ensemble is named after the famous luthier Jacobus Stainer, who lived in the 17th century and is known for his exceptional violins. The founding members of Academia Jacobus Stainer were a group of young musicians who shared a passion for early music and historical performance practice. They were all students at the University of Innsbruck and had already gained experience playing in various ensembles and orchestras. The main members of the ensemble are violinists Veronika Skuplik and Johannes Pramsohler, violist Gulrim Choi, cellist Petr Skalka, and harpsichordist Jörg Halubek. All of them are highly skilled musicians with a deep understanding of historical performance practice and a commitment to bringing early music to life. Academia Jacobus Stainer has performed at numerous festivals and concert series throughout Europe, including the Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik, the Tage Alter Musik Regensburg, the Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht, and the Bachfest Leipzig. They have also toured in Asia and North America, performing in prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York and the National Concert Hall in Taipei. One of the highlights of Academia Jacobus Stainer's career was their performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos at the Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik in 2013. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their interpretation of these iconic works, which showcased their technical virtuosity and musical sensitivity. Another notable performance was their collaboration with the renowned countertenor Andreas Scholl in a program of Baroque arias and instrumental music. This concert, which took place at the Bachfest Leipzig in 2016, was praised for its exquisite beauty and emotional depth. Academia Jacobus Stainer has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received numerous awards and nominations. Their album "Biber: The Mystery Sonatas" was awarded the Diapason d'Or in 2015, and their recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2014. In addition to their performances and recordings, Academia Jacobus Stainer is committed to education and outreach. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience. Overall, Academia Jacobus Stainer is a highly respected ensemble in the world of early music. Their commitment to historical performance practice, their technical virtuosity, and their musical sensitivity have earned them critical acclaim and a devoted following.

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