Musica Assoluta is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1994 by the German conductor and harpsichordist, Thorsten Encke. The ensemble is based in Berlin and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances of Baroque and Classical music. Encke, who studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, founded Musica Assoluta with the aim of creating a chamber orchestra that would perform music from the Baroque and Classical periods on period instruments. The ensemble's name, which means "absolute music" in Italian, reflects Encke's commitment to performing music in a historically informed manner. The ensemble's core members include some of the most talented period instrument players in Europe, including violinists Antje Sabinski and Anne Röhrig, cellist Kristin von der Goltz, and oboist Xenia Löffler. Musica Assoluta also collaborates with a number of guest soloists and conductors, including the renowned Baroque violinist Rachel Podger and the conductor and harpsichordist Lars Ulrik Mortensen. Since its founding, Musica Assoluta has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. The ensemble has also released a number of critically acclaimed recordings, including a series of CDs featuring the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. One of the highlights of Musica Assoluta's career was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2005. The performance, which featured the renowned German tenor Christoph Prégardien as the Evangelist, was hailed by critics as a "triumph" and a "defining moment" in the ensemble's history. In addition to its performances and recordings, Musica Assoluta has also been recognized with a number of awards and honors. In 2001, the ensemble was awarded the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. The ensemble has also been praised for its educational outreach programs, which aim to introduce young people to the joys of classical music. Overall, Musica Assoluta is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. With its commitment to historically informed performance and its talented core members, the ensemble continues to inspire audiences around the world with its passionate and engaging performances.

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