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Magnificat is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The group was founded in 1992 by Warren Stewart, who serves as the artistic director and conductor. Over the years, Magnificat has become one of the most respected and acclaimed Baroque ensembles in the United States, known for their historically informed performances and innovative programming. Warren Stewart was born in 1950 in San Francisco, California. He grew up in a musical family and began playing the violin at a young age. He studied music at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in musicology. After graduation, he continued his studies in Europe, where he became interested in early music and the performance practices of the Baroque era. Stewart returned to the United States in the early 1980s and began performing with various early music ensembles. In 1992, he founded Magnificat with the goal of creating a group that would specialize in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble's name comes from the Latin word for the song of praise that Mary sings in the Gospel of Luke. Magnificat's first performance was in December 1992, and the group quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality performances and innovative programming. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Monteverdi, as well as lesser-known Baroque composers. One of Magnificat's early highlights was their performance of Bach's St. John Passion in 1995. The performance was praised for its clarity and emotional depth, and it helped establish Magnificat as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the United States. The group has since performed the St. John Passion several times, including a critically acclaimed performance in 2018. Magnificat has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received numerous awards and critical acclaim. Their recording of Handel's Esther was named one of the top classical recordings of 2003 by The New York Times, and their recording of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2015. In addition to their performances and recordings, Magnificat is also known for their educational programs. The ensemble regularly works with students and young musicians, offering workshops and masterclasses on Baroque performance practices. They have also collaborated with local schools and community organizations to bring Baroque music to a wider audience. Over the years, Magnificat has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Edinburgh Festival. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading early music performers, including soprano Emma Kirkby and countertenor Andreas Scholl. Despite their success, Magnificat remains committed to their mission of bringing Baroque music to a wider audience. They continue to perform regularly, both in the United States and abroad, and they are always looking for new ways to engage with audiences and share their love of early music. In conclusion, Magnificat is a classical music ensemble that has become one of the most respected and acclaimed Baroque ensembles in the United States. Founded by Warren Stewart in 1992, the group has gained a reputation for their historically informed performances and innovative programming.

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