Role

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Ensemble

 

Sette Voci is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1993 by seven singers who shared a passion for early music. The group's name, which means "seven voices" in Italian, reflects the original size of the ensemble. Over the years, Sette Voci has expanded and contracted in size, depending on the repertoire being performed. The founding members of Sette Voci were all graduates of the Early Music program at the University of Southern California. They were: Jennifer Paulino, soprano; Susan Hellauer, soprano; Martha Cluver, alto; Drew Minter, countertenor; Christopher Preston Thompson, tenor; Peter Becker, baritone; and Richard Porterfield, bass. All of the members were experienced singers who had performed with other early music ensembles before coming together to form Sette Voci. From the beginning, Sette Voci's mission was to explore the rich repertoire of early music, from the medieval period through the Baroque era. The group's repertoire includes sacred and secular music, as well as vocal and instrumental works. Sette Voci's performances are characterized by their precision, clarity, and expressive power. One of Sette Voci's early highlights was their performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 1995. The group's program, which included works by Monteverdi, Gesualdo, and other composers of the Italian Renaissance, was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The Boston Globe praised Sette Voci's "exquisite blend of voices" and their "impeccable musicianship." Sette Voci has also been recognized for their recordings. Their debut album, "Music for the Duke of Lerma," was released in 1996 on the Deutsche Harmonia Mundi label. The album features music by Spanish composers of the late Renaissance, including Victoria, Guerrero, and Morales. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Small Ensemble Performance. In 1998, Sette Voci released their second album, "The Spirits of England and France." The album features music by English and French composers of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods, including Dunstable, Machaut, and Dufay. The album was also well-received by critics and was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Classical Vocal Performance. Sette Voci has continued to perform and record over the years, with a changing roster of members. Some of the group's other notable performances include: - A concert at the Library of Congress in 2001, featuring music by Italian Baroque composer Alessandro Scarlatti. - A performance at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 2003, featuring music by Bach and Handel. - A concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2006, featuring music by Spanish Baroque composer Francisco Guerrero. - A performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2011, featuring music by Monteverdi and his contemporaries. Sette Voci has also collaborated with other early music ensembles, including the Boston Camerata and the New York Collegium. The group has been praised for their ability to blend their voices seamlessly with other ensembles, creating a rich and vibrant sound. In addition to their performances and recordings, Sette Voci has also been recognized for their educational outreach. The group has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students of all ages, sharing their knowledge and passion for early music with the next generation of musicians.

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