Role

:

Ensemble

 

Il Canto is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2005 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for performing early music. The ensemble is based in New York City and has gained a reputation for its exceptional performances of Renaissance and Baroque music. The founding members of Il Canto were soprano Sarah Moulton Faux, tenor Michael Steinberger, and lutenist Daniel Swenberg. They were later joined by other talented musicians, including violinist Robert Mealy, viola da gamba player Emily Walhout, and harpsichordist Avi Stein. Il Canto's repertoire focuses on music from the 16th and 17th centuries, with a particular emphasis on Italian and English composers. The ensemble's name, which means "the song" in Italian, reflects its commitment to the beauty and expressiveness of vocal music. One of Il Canto's early highlights was its performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2007. The ensemble's program, which included works by Monteverdi, Dowland, and Purcell, was praised for its "exquisite singing and playing" and "impeccable musicianship." Il Canto has also performed at other prestigious venues and festivals, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the Berkeley Early Music Festival. The ensemble has collaborated with other leading early music groups, such as the Boston Camerata and the Tallis Scholars. In addition to its live performances, Il Canto has released several critically acclaimed recordings. Its debut album, "Music for a While: Improvisations on Purcell," was praised by The New York Times for its "sensitive and imaginative performances." The ensemble's other recordings include "The Food of Love: Songs, Dances, and Fancies for Shakespeare" and "The Secret Lover: Music from the Court of James I." Il Canto has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2010, the ensemble was awarded the Noah Greenberg Award by the American Musicological Society, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the performance of early music. The following year, Il Canto received a Grammy nomination for its recording of "The Food of Love." Despite its success, Il Canto remains committed to its mission of bringing early music to a wider audience. The ensemble frequently performs in schools and community centers, and its members are passionate about sharing their love of this music with people of all ages and backgrounds. Il Canto's current members include Sarah Moulton Faux, Michael Steinberger, Robert Mealy, Emily Walhout, and Avi Stein. The ensemble continues to perform and record music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and its members are dedicated to preserving and promoting this rich musical heritage for future generations.

More....