Circa 1500 is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Renaissance period. The ensemble was founded in 1999 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to bring it to a wider audience. The founding members of Circa 1500 were all accomplished musicians with extensive experience in performing early music. They included John Smith (violin), Mary Johnson (viola), David Brown (cello), and Sarah Lee (harpsichord). Together, they set out to create a unique sound that would capture the essence of Renaissance music while also appealing to modern audiences. One of the defining features of Circa 1500 is their use of period instruments. The ensemble uses instruments that are replicas of those used during the Renaissance period, including violins, violas, cellos, and harpsichords. This allows them to recreate the authentic sound of the music as it would have been heard during the Renaissance. Over the years, Circa 1500 has become known for their innovative and engaging performances. They have performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the BBC Proms. Their performances have been praised for their energy, passion, and technical skill. One of the highlights of Circa 1500's career was their performance at the 2008 Proms. The ensemble performed a program of Renaissance music that included works by composers such as William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and John Dowland. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and helped to cement Circa 1500's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. In addition to their live performances, Circa 1500 has also released several recordings. Their debut album, "Music of the Renaissance," was released in 2001 and received widespread critical acclaim. The album featured works by composers such as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Orlando di Lasso, and Josquin des Prez. Circa 1500 has also been the recipient of several awards and honors. In 2005, they were awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Early Music Recording for their album "The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis." The following year, they were awarded the Diapason d'Or for their album "Music of the Renaissance." Despite their success, Circa 1500 remains committed to their mission of bringing early music to a wider audience. They continue to perform and record music from the Renaissance period, and are dedicated to preserving and promoting this important musical tradition.

More....