Role

:

Ensemble

 

Ars Lyrica Houston is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 by harpsichordist and conductor Matthew Dirst. The ensemble is based in Houston, Texas, and is dedicated to performing music from the Baroque era. Ars Lyrica Houston has gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming, and has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. Matthew Dirst founded Ars Lyrica Houston with the goal of creating a chamber ensemble that would specialize in Baroque music. Dirst, who is a renowned harpsichordist and scholar of Baroque music, wanted to bring the music of this era to a wider audience and showcase the beauty and complexity of the music. He assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his passion for Baroque music, and Ars Lyrica Houston was born. The ensemble's main members include Matthew Dirst on harpsichord, along with a rotating cast of musicians who perform on a variety of instruments, including violin, cello, flute, oboe, and bassoon. The ensemble also features a number of guest artists, including vocalists and instrumentalists, who perform with the group on a regular basis. Ars Lyrica Houston has performed a wide range of music from the Baroque era, including works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works from the Baroque era alongside more well-known pieces. This approach has helped to introduce audiences to new and exciting music from this era, and has earned the ensemble a loyal following. Over the years, Ars Lyrica Houston has performed at a number of prestigious venues and events, including the Houston Early Music Festival, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Berkeley Early Music Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of other organizations, including the Houston Symphony, the Houston Ballet, and the Houston Grand Opera. One of the highlights of Ars Lyrica Houston's career was its performance of Handel's opera "Ariodante" in 2017. This was the first time that the opera had been performed in Houston in over 20 years, and the ensemble received rave reviews for its performance. The Houston Chronicle called the performance "a triumph," and praised the ensemble for its "crisp, lively playing" and "vibrant, expressive singing." In addition to its performances, Ars Lyrica Houston has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. The ensemble has been recognized for its innovative programming and high-quality performances, and has received awards from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Houston Arts Alliance. In 2018, Ars Lyrica Houston was named "Ensemble of the Year" by the Houston Arts Alliance, cementing its reputation as one of the top classical music ensembles in the country. Overall, Ars Lyrica Houston is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of Baroque music. Founded by harpsichordist and conductor Matthew Dirst, the ensemble has gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. With a rotating cast of talented musicians and a commitment to showcasing the beauty and complexity of Baroque music, Ars Lyrica Houston is sure to continue delighting audiences for years to come.

More....