Role

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Ensemble

 

Ensemble à l'antica is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The ensemble was founded in 2005 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to bring this music to a wider audience. The founding members of Ensemble à l'antica were violinist Marieke Blankestijn, cellist Richard Lester, and harpsichordist Elizabeth Kenny. All three musicians had extensive experience performing early music and had worked together on various projects in the past. They were joined by a number of other musicians, including flutist Lisa Beznosiuk, oboist Anthony Robson, and bassoonist Peter Whelan. From the beginning, Ensemble à l'antica was committed to performing music in a historically informed way. This meant using period instruments and playing techniques, as well as researching the historical context of the music they were performing. The ensemble's name, which means "in the antique style," reflects this commitment to authenticity. One of the highlights of Ensemble à l'antica's early years was their performance at the 2006 York Early Music Festival. The ensemble performed a program of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, including his Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and his Concerto for Violin and Oboe. The performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading early music groups in the UK. Over the years, Ensemble à l'antica has performed at a number of other major festivals and venues, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Wigmore Hall, and the BBC Proms. They have also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music. One of the ensemble's most notable collaborations was with the renowned soprano Emma Kirkby. In 2010, Ensemble à l'antica and Kirkby performed a program of music by Henry Purcell at the Wigmore Hall. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and led to further collaborations between the ensemble and Kirkby. Ensemble à l'antica has also been recognized for their recordings. In 2012, their recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos was nominated for a Gramophone Award in the Baroque Instrumental category. The recording was praised for its "sparkling" performances and "impeccable" musicianship. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble à l'antica is also committed to education and outreach. They have worked with a number of schools and community groups to introduce young people to early music and to encourage them to pursue careers in music. Today, Ensemble à l'antica continues to be one of the leading early music ensembles in the UK. They are known for their virtuosic performances, their commitment to historical authenticity, and their dedication to education and outreach. With a repertoire that spans the Baroque and Renaissance periods, they are a vital part of the UK's classical music scene and a beloved ensemble for audiences around the world.

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