Role

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Ensemble

Period

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Baroque

Genre

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Concerto

 

Collegium Pro Arte is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1969 by a group of musicians who were passionate about performing Baroque music. The ensemble is based in Vancouver, Canada, and has become one of the most respected and renowned Baroque ensembles in North America. The founding members of Collegium Pro Arte were all graduates of the University of British Columbia's School of Music, and they were inspired by the Baroque revival that was taking place in Europe at the time. They wanted to bring this music to Vancouver audiences and to perform it with the same level of authenticity and passion that they had seen in Europe. The ensemble's first concert was held in 1970, and it was an immediate success. The group's unique sound and approach to Baroque music quickly gained a following, and they began to perform regularly in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. One of the key members of Collegium Pro Arte in its early years was the harpsichordist and conductor, Bruce Pullan. Pullan was a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and had studied with some of the leading Baroque musicians in Europe. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ensemble, and his leadership helped to shape its sound and style. Over the years, Collegium Pro Arte has had many talented musicians perform with the ensemble, but some of the most notable members have included flutist Kathryn Cernauskas, violinist Marc Destrubé, and cellist Christina Mahler. These musicians have all been recognized for their exceptional talent and have helped to establish Collegium Pro Arte as one of the premier Baroque ensembles in North America. One of the highlights of Collegium Pro Arte's career was their performance at the 1986 Vancouver International Festival. The ensemble was invited to perform Handel's Messiah, and their performance was widely praised for its energy, precision, and emotional depth. This performance helped to establish Collegium Pro Arte as a major force in the Vancouver music scene and brought them to the attention of audiences and critics throughout North America. In addition to their performances of Baroque music, Collegium Pro Arte has also been recognized for their work in contemporary music. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered works by many Canadian composers, including John Oliver, Rodney Sharman, and Michael Conway Baker. These collaborations have helped to expand the ensemble's repertoire and to showcase their versatility and creativity. Collegium Pro Arte has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Their recording of Handel's Messiah, which was released in 1990, won a Juno Award for Best Classical Album. The ensemble has also recorded works by Bach, Vivaldi, and other Baroque composers, as well as contemporary works by Canadian composers. Throughout their career, Collegium Pro Arte has remained committed to their mission of bringing the beauty and power of Baroque music to audiences in Vancouver and beyond. Their dedication to authenticity, precision, and emotional depth has made them one of the most respected and beloved classical music ensembles in North America.

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