Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

The Frideswide Consort is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 in Oxford, England. The group is named after Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford, and is dedicated to performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The founding members of the Frideswide Consort were all students at the University of Oxford who shared a passion for early music. They were inspired by the rich history of music in Oxford, which has been a center of musical excellence for centuries. The group began as a small ensemble of singers and instrumentalists, but quickly grew in size and popularity. The main members of the Frideswide Consort are a group of talented musicians who are dedicated to performing early music with authenticity and passion. The group is led by director and tenor singer, Andrew Kirkman, who is a professor of music at the University of Oxford and an expert in early music. Other members of the ensemble include sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses, as well as instrumentalists who play a variety of period instruments such as the lute, viola da gamba, and recorder. The Frideswide Consort has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe, including the Oxford Lieder Festival, the York Early Music Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The group has also been featured on BBC Radio 3 and has released several critically acclaimed recordings. One of the highlights of the Frideswide Consort's career was their performance of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 at the Oxford Sheldonian Theatre in 2015. This was a monumental undertaking, as the Vespers is one of the most complex and demanding works in the early music repertoire. The performance was a great success, with the group receiving standing ovations and glowing reviews from critics. Another notable performance by the Frideswide Consort was their collaboration with the Oxford Baroque Orchestra in 2018. The group performed Handel's Messiah at the Holywell Music Room in Oxford, which is one of the oldest purpose-built music rooms in Europe. The performance was praised for its energy, precision, and emotional depth. The Frideswide Consort has also received several awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2016, the group won the prestigious York Early Music International Young Artists Competition, which is one of the most respected early music competitions in the world. The group was praised for their "exquisite blend of voices" and their "impeccable musicianship." In addition to their performances and recordings, the Frideswide Consort is also committed to education and outreach. The group regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, and they have worked with schools and community groups to promote early music and music education. Overall, the Frideswide Consort is a dynamic and talented ensemble that is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich tradition of early music. With their passion, skill, and commitment to excellence, they have become one of the most respected and admired early music groups in the UK and beyond.

More....