Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Vocal

 

In Canto is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2008 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for performing and promoting classical music. The ensemble is based in New York City and has gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic performances that showcase the beauty and complexity of classical music. The founding members of In Canto were soprano Maria Valdes, mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel, tenor Steven Eddy, and baritone Christopher Dylan Herbert. All four musicians had extensive experience performing in opera houses and concert halls around the world, and they were eager to create a new kind of ensemble that would allow them to explore the full range of classical music. From the beginning, In Canto was committed to performing a wide variety of classical music, from the Baroque era to the present day. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, as well as contemporary composers like John Adams and Nico Muhly. One of the highlights of In Canto's early years was its performance at the 2009 Mostly Mozart Festival in New York City. The ensemble performed a program of Mozart's vocal music, including his famous "Requiem" and "Vesperae solennes de confessore." The performance was widely praised for its precision, clarity, and emotional depth, and it helped establish In Canto as one of the most exciting new ensembles in the classical music world. In the years that followed, In Canto continued to perform at major festivals and concert halls around the world. The ensemble's performances were marked by their energy, passion, and technical excellence, and they quickly gained a devoted following among classical music fans. One of the most memorable performances in In Canto's history was its 2012 concert at the Royal Opera House in London. The ensemble performed a program of Italian opera arias, including works by Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini. The performance was a triumph, with the audience giving the ensemble a standing ovation and critics hailing it as one of the best performances of the year. In addition to its performances, In Canto has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "In Canto: A Celebration of Italian Opera," was released in 2011 and received widespread critical acclaim. The album features some of the most beloved arias from Italian opera, including "Nessun dorma" from Puccini's "Turandot" and "La donna è mobile" from Verdi's "Rigoletto." Over the years, In Canto has undergone some changes in its membership, but the ensemble's commitment to excellence and innovation has remained constant. Today, the ensemble is led by Maria Valdes and Sarah Heltzel, who continue to explore new ways of presenting classical music to audiences around the world. In recent years, In Canto has focused on collaborating with other artists and ensembles to create new and exciting performances. The ensemble has worked with contemporary composers like Nico Muhly and Missy Mazzoli to create new works that blend classical and modern styles, and they have also collaborated with dance companies and visual artists to create multimedia performances that push the boundaries of classical music. In Canto has received numerous awards and honors over the years, including the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2010.

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