Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses is a classical music ensemble based in Montreal, Canada. The ensemble was founded in 1987 by recorder player and conductor Geneviève Soly. The group specializes in performing Baroque music on period instruments, and has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. Geneviève Soly was born in Montreal in 1955 and began playing the recorder at a young age. She went on to study musicology at the Université de Montréal and the Sorbonne in Paris, and also studied the harpsichord with Kenneth Gilbert. In 1987, she founded L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of Baroque music and bringing it to a wider audience. The ensemble's name, which translates to "The Ensemble of Happy Ideas," reflects its commitment to exploring the joyful and uplifting aspects of Baroque music. The group's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann, as well as lesser-known composers from the Baroque era. L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses has a core group of musicians who perform regularly with the ensemble, including Geneviève Soly on recorder and harpsichord, violinists Chantal Rémillard and Helmut Lipsky, cellist Susie Napper, and bassoonist Mathieu Lussier. The group also collaborates with guest artists and conductors, including harpsichordist Skip Sempé and conductor Bernard Labadie. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 1990 concert at the Montreal International Music Festival, where it performed Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. The performance was praised for its energy and virtuosity, and helped to establish L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in Canada. In addition to its concert performances, L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses has also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. The group's recordings have been praised for their technical precision and expressive interpretation of Baroque music. Over the years, L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 1992, the ensemble was awarded the Prix Opus for Best Early Music Ensemble by the Conseil québécois de la musique. The group has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, including Best Classical Album and Best Classical Performance. In addition to its performances and recordings, L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses is also committed to music education and outreach. The group regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has collaborated with organizations such as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra to bring Baroque music to a wider audience. In conclusion, L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses is a highly respected classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the performance and interpretation of Baroque music. Founded by Geneviève Soly in 1987, the group has gained a reputation for its innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to music education and outreach. With its core group of talented musicians and collaborations with guest artists and conductors, L'Ensemble des Idées heureuses continues to be a leading force in the world of Baroque music.

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