Ensemble Leones is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of medieval and early Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 1999 by Marc Lewon, a German lutenist and musicologist, and has since become one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the field of early music. The ensemble's name, "Leones," is derived from the Latin word for "lions," and reflects the group's commitment to performing music that is both powerful and refined. The ensemble's repertoire includes music from the 12th to the 15th centuries, with a particular focus on the music of the troubadours and trouvères, as well as the music of the Ars Nova and Ars Subtilior periods. Ensemble Leones is made up of a core group of musicians, including Marc Lewon on lute and voice, Elisabeth Schwanda on vielle and voice, and Baptiste Romain on voice and percussion. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with other musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, and dancers, to create unique and dynamic performances. One of the highlights of Ensemble Leones' career was their performance at the 2011 Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The ensemble's program, entitled "The Lion's Roar," featured music from the 14th century, including works by Guillaume de Machaut, Francesco Landini, and Johannes Ciconia. The performance was praised for its virtuosity, energy, and emotional depth, and helped to establish Ensemble Leones as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. In addition to their performances, Ensemble Leones has also received numerous awards and accolades for their recordings. Their 2010 album, "The Lion's Ear," which featured music from the 13th century, was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or by the French music magazine Diapason. The album was praised for its "remarkable musicality" and "impeccable technique," and helped to cement Ensemble Leones' reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting ensembles in the field of early music. Another notable performance by Ensemble Leones was their 2014 concert at the Festival de Musique Ancienne de Callas in France. The ensemble's program, entitled "The Lion's Heart," featured music from the 12th and 13th centuries, including works by Hildegard von Bingen, Perotin, and Adam de la Halle. The performance was praised for its "exquisite beauty" and "sensitive interpretation," and helped to further establish Ensemble Leones as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. Ensemble Leones has also been praised for their commitment to scholarship and historical accuracy. Marc Lewon, the ensemble's founder and leader, is a respected musicologist who has published numerous articles and books on medieval and Renaissance music. The ensemble's performances are informed by Lewon's research, and are characterized by a deep understanding of the historical context and musical traditions of the music they perform. Overall, Ensemble Leones is a remarkable ensemble that has made significant contributions to the field of early music. Their performances are characterized by a unique blend of virtuosity, emotional depth, and historical accuracy, and their recordings have received widespread critical acclaim. With their commitment to scholarship and innovation, Ensemble Leones is sure to continue to be a leading force in the world of early music for years to come.

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