Genre

:

Choral

 

Ex Cathedra is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Birmingham, England. The group was founded in 1969 by Jeffrey Skidmore, who remains its artistic director to this day. Ex Cathedra has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and performances of early music, as well as its commitment to commissioning new works and promoting the music of contemporary composers. The ensemble's name, Ex Cathedra, is Latin for "from the chair," a reference to the authority of the Pope when speaking on matters of faith. This name reflects the group's commitment to performing music that has a spiritual or religious dimension, as well as its dedication to excellence and authenticity in its performances. Ex Cathedra's core members are a group of professional singers and instrumentalists who specialize in early music. The ensemble also collaborates with guest artists and conductors, as well as with other musical organizations and institutions. Over the years, Ex Cathedra has performed in venues throughout the UK and internationally, including major festivals and concert halls. One of the highlights of Ex Cathedra's early years was its performance of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 in 1977. This was a groundbreaking performance that helped to establish the ensemble's reputation for excellence in early music. Since then, Ex Cathedra has continued to perform and record a wide range of music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, as well as from later periods. In addition to its performances of early music, Ex Cathedra has also commissioned and premiered numerous new works by contemporary composers. These include works by James MacMillan, Roxanna Panufnik, and Alec Roth, among others. The ensemble has also collaborated with other artists and organizations to create interdisciplinary works that combine music, dance, and visual art. Ex Cathedra has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2003, the ensemble won the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Handel's Chandos Anthems. This was followed by another Gramophone Award in 2009 for its recording of music by the 16th-century composer Philippe de Monte. In 2014, Ex Cathedra was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Ensemble Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to classical music in the UK. One of the most notable aspects of Ex Cathedra's work is its commitment to education and outreach. The ensemble runs a number of educational programs for young people, including workshops, masterclasses, and concerts. It also works with schools and community groups to promote music education and appreciation. In recent years, Ex Cathedra has continued to push the boundaries of early music performance, exploring new repertoire and collaborating with artists from other genres and disciplines. The ensemble's commitment to excellence, innovation, and education has made it one of the most respected and influential classical music ensembles in the UK and beyond.

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