Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Ensemble Oni Wytars is a classical music ensemble that specializes in early music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The ensemble was founded in 1983 by Marco Ambrosini, a virtuoso of the nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument, and Michael Posch, a recorder player and musicologist. The two musicians met in Bremen, Germany, where they were both studying at the Hochschule für Künste. They shared a passion for early music and decided to form a group that would explore the rich repertoire of medieval and Renaissance music. The name "Oni Wytars" is derived from the Old High German words "oni" (meaning "without") and "wytar" (meaning "strings"). The name reflects the ensemble's unconventional approach to early music, which often involves using instruments that are not commonly associated with the period, such as the nyckelharpa, the hurdy-gurdy, and the oud. Over the years, Ensemble Oni Wytars has collaborated with many renowned musicians and ensembles, including the Hilliard Ensemble, the Huelgas Ensemble, and the Clemencic Consort. The ensemble has also performed at major festivals and concert halls around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The core members of Ensemble Oni Wytars are Marco Ambrosini, Michael Posch, and Alessandro Quarta, a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in the viola da gamba and the lute. The ensemble also features a rotating cast of guest musicians, depending on the repertoire and the venue. One of the highlights of Ensemble Oni Wytars' career was their collaboration with the Hilliard Ensemble on the album "Missa Caput" in 1994. The album, which features music by the 14th-century composer Guillaume de Machaut, received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. Another notable performance by Ensemble Oni Wytars was their concert at the Salzburg Festival in 1999, where they performed a program of medieval and Renaissance music from Spain, Italy, and France. The concert was praised for its virtuosity, authenticity, and emotional depth. Ensemble Oni Wytars has also been recognized for their innovative approach to early music, which often involves combining different musical traditions and styles. In 2002, the ensemble released the album "Cantigas de Amigo," which features traditional Galician songs from the Middle Ages, arranged for a variety of instruments, including the nyckelharpa, the hurdy-gurdy, and the bagpipes. The album was a commercial success and helped to popularize the music of Galicia and other regions of Spain. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble Oni Wytars is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students and musicians around the world, and has collaborated with schools and community organizations to promote early music and cultural exchange. Overall, Ensemble Oni Wytars is a pioneering ensemble in the field of early music, known for their virtuosity, creativity, and passion for exploring the rich and diverse repertoire of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Their innovative approach to early music has inspired many musicians and audiences around the world, and their legacy continues to shape the field of early music today.

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