Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Concerto

 

The Raglan Baroque Players is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1984 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and wanted to bring it to a wider audience. Over the years, the ensemble has become known for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The founding members of the Raglan Baroque Players were violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch, cellist Richard Tunnicliffe, and harpsichordist Paul Nicholson. All three musicians were highly respected in the early music community and had performed with some of the world's leading Baroque ensembles. They were joined by a number of other musicians, including flutist Lisa Beznosiuk, oboist Anthony Robson, and bassoonist Peter Whelan. From the beginning, the Raglan Baroque Players set out to explore the rich and varied repertoire of Baroque music. They were particularly interested in the music of lesser-known composers, as well as the works of more famous composers that were rarely performed. They also sought to perform the music in a historically informed way, using period instruments and playing techniques. One of the highlights of the Raglan Baroque Players' early career was their performance of Handel's "Messiah" at the Royal Albert Hall in 1985. The performance was a huge success, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the UK. They went on to perform at many other prestigious venues, including the Wigmore Hall, the Purcell Room, and St John's Smith Square. Over the years, the Raglan Baroque Players have collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles. They have worked with conductors such as Christopher Hogwood, Andrew Parrott, and John Eliot Gardiner, and have performed with the Academy of Ancient Music, the English Concert, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. They have also recorded extensively, with over 30 albums to their name. One of the Raglan Baroque Players' most notable collaborations was with the choreographer Mark Morris. In 1989, Morris created a dance piece called "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato" to Handel's oratorio of the same name. The Raglan Baroque Players provided the music for the production, which was a huge success and has since been performed all over the world. Another highlight of the Raglan Baroque Players' career was their performance of Bach's "St Matthew Passion" at the BBC Proms in 2003. The performance was conducted by Paul McCreesh and featured a stellar cast of soloists, including Ian Bostridge, Michael Chance, and Peter Harvey. It was widely praised by critics and cemented the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Baroque music. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Raglan Baroque Players have also been involved in education and outreach work. They have given masterclasses and workshops at universities and conservatoires around the world, and have worked with young musicians through their Raglan Baroque Summer School. They have also been involved in community projects, such as performing in hospitals and care homes. Throughout their career, the Raglan Baroque Players have received numerous awards and accolades. They have won several Gramophone Awards for their recordings, including one for their recording of Handel's "Messiah" in 1989. They have also been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Award and the Diapason d'Or.

More....