Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Pro Cantione Antiqua is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The group was founded in 1968 by tenor James Griffett, countertenor Paul Esswood, and conductor and musicologist Bruno Turner. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its authentic and expressive performances of Renaissance and Baroque music, and has since become one of the most respected early music ensembles in the world. The founding members of Pro Cantione Antiqua were all experienced musicians with a passion for early music. James Griffett had already established himself as a leading tenor in the world of opera and oratorio, while Paul Esswood was known for his exceptional countertenor voice. Bruno Turner, meanwhile, was a respected conductor and musicologist who had studied under the renowned early music pioneer Gustav Leonhardt. Together, the three musicians set out to create an ensemble that would specialize in the performance of early music, with a particular focus on the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. They were joined by a number of other talented musicians, including bass David Thomas, tenor Ian Partridge, and soprano Emma Kirkby, among others. Pro Cantione Antiqua quickly gained a reputation for its authentic and expressive performances of early music. The ensemble's members were all highly skilled musicians with a deep understanding of the music they were performing, and they were committed to using historically accurate instruments and performance practices to bring the music to life. Over the years, Pro Cantione Antiqua has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. The ensemble has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of the highlights of Pro Cantione Antiqua's career was their performance at the 1977 Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The ensemble performed a program of Renaissance and Baroque music, including works by Monteverdi, Palestrina, and Byrd. The performance was a huge success, and helped to cement Pro Cantione Antiqua's reputation as one of the leading early music ensembles in the world. Another notable performance by Pro Cantione Antiqua was their 1982 concert at the Edinburgh Festival. The ensemble performed a program of music by the English composer William Byrd, including his Mass for Four Voices and his motet Ave Verum Corpus. The performance was widely praised for its beauty and authenticity, and helped to introduce Byrd's music to a wider audience. Pro Cantione Antiqua has also won numerous awards for their recordings over the years. In 1981, the ensemble won a Gramophone Award for their recording of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, which was praised for its "exquisite singing" and "impeccable musicianship." The ensemble has also won awards for their recordings of music by Byrd, Palestrina, and other early music composers. Today, Pro Cantione Antiqua continues to perform and record music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. While the ensemble has undergone some changes in membership over the years, their commitment to authentic and expressive performances of early music remains as strong as ever. With their exceptional musicianship and deep understanding of the music they perform, Pro Cantione Antiqua is sure to remain one of the world's leading early music ensembles for many years to come.

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