Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

Tempesta di Mare is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 2002 by Gwyn Roberts and Richard Stone, who are both accomplished musicians and scholars of early music. Since its founding, Tempesta di Mare has become one of the leading baroque ensembles in the United States, known for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming. Gwyn Roberts and Richard Stone met while studying at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. They both shared a passion for baroque music and early instruments, and they began performing together as a duo. In 2002, they decided to form a larger ensemble that would allow them to explore a wider range of repertoire and perform with a greater variety of instruments. The name "Tempesta di Mare" means "storm at sea" in Italian, and it reflects the ensemble's dynamic and energetic approach to music-making. The ensemble's core members are Gwyn Roberts and Richard Stone, who play the flute and recorder, respectively. They are joined by a rotating cast of musicians who play a variety of baroque instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, harpsichords, and lutes. One of the highlights of Tempesta di Mare's career was its performance at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2003. The festival is one of the most prestigious early music events in the world, and Tempesta di Mare's performance was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality. The ensemble has since performed at many other major early music festivals, including the Berkeley Early Music Festival, the Indianapolis Early Music Festival, and the Tage Alter Musik festival in Regensburg, Germany. Tempesta di Mare has also collaborated with many renowned soloists and conductors, including mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux, violinist Monica Huggett, and conductor Nicholas McGegan. The ensemble has recorded several albums, including "Handel: Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks," which was released in 2011 and received critical acclaim. In addition to its performances and recordings, Tempesta di Mare is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for students and amateur musicians, and it has developed a program called "Baroque Bootcamp" that provides intensive training in baroque performance practice. Tempesta di Mare has received many awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2005, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Early Music Recording Grant, which allowed it to record its debut album, "Handel: Trio Sonatas for Two Flutes and Continuo." The album was released in 2006 and was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality. In 2010, Tempesta di Mare was awarded the City of Philadelphia's Music Industry Partnership Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the city's music industry. The ensemble was also named "Best Classical Music Group" in Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly" awards in 2011. Overall, Tempesta di Mare is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of baroque music. Its virtuosic performances, innovative programming, and commitment to education and outreach have earned it a reputation as one of the leading early music ensembles in the United States.

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