Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1990 in Mantua, Italy. The ensemble is named after St. Barbara, the patron saint of music, and is known for its exceptional performances of sacred music. The founding members of Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara were a group of friends who shared a passion for classical music and a desire to create a high-quality ensemble that would perform sacred music in the Mantua area. The group was led by Maestro Marco Mencoboni, a renowned conductor and musicologist who had previously worked with several other prestigious ensembles. From the beginning, Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara was committed to performing a wide range of sacred music, including works from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional performances, and it was soon invited to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in Italy and abroad. Over the years, Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara has had many members, but the core group has remained relatively stable. The ensemble is currently made up of 16 singers, all of whom are highly trained and experienced musicians. The group is also supported by a team of talented instrumentalists who provide accompaniment for the ensemble's performances. One of the highlights of Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara's career was its performance at the Vatican in 1998. The ensemble was invited to perform for Pope John Paul II during a special Mass, and the performance was broadcast live on television to millions of viewers around the world. The ensemble's performance was widely praised for its beauty and precision, and it helped to establish Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara as one of the premier sacred music ensembles in Italy. In addition to its performance at the Vatican, Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara has also performed at many other prestigious venues around the world. The ensemble has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Musikverein in Vienna, among others. The ensemble has also collaborated with many other renowned musicians and ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, the Tallis Scholars, and the Gabrieli Consort. Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 2001, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Premio Abbiati, which is considered to be one of the highest honors in the Italian classical music world. The ensemble has also been awarded the Diapason d'Or, the Choc de Classica, and the Gramophone Award, among others. Despite its many achievements, Cappella Musicale di St. Barbara remains committed to its mission of performing sacred music at the highest level. The ensemble continues to perform regularly in Italy and abroad, and it is widely regarded as one of the premier sacred music ensembles in the world.

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