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Musica Amphion is a Dutch classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music on period instruments. The ensemble was founded in 1993 by harpsichordist and conductor Pieter-Jan Belder, who remains its artistic director to this day. Belder had previously studied harpsichord and organ at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and had gained a reputation as a skilled performer of Baroque music. He founded Musica Amphion with the aim of exploring the rich repertoire of Baroque music and bringing it to life through historically informed performance practices. The ensemble takes its name from the Greek god of music, Amphion, who was said to have built the walls of Thebes with the power of his music. Musica Amphion's mission is to recreate the sounds and styles of the Baroque era, using period instruments and techniques to bring the music to life in a way that is faithful to the composer's intentions. The core members of Musica Amphion are Pieter-Jan Belder on harpsichord, Rainer Zipperling on viola da gamba, and Jed Wentz on flute. These three musicians have been with the ensemble since its founding and have played a key role in shaping its sound and style. Over the years, Musica Amphion has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Salzburg Festival. The ensemble has also recorded extensively, with over 50 albums to its name, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of the highlights of Musica Amphion's career was its performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw in 2000. The ensemble's interpretation of these iconic works was praised for its clarity, precision, and energy, and it helped to establish Musica Amphion as one of the leading Baroque ensembles of its time. Another notable performance was the ensemble's collaboration with the Dutch National Ballet on a production of Handel's opera Acis and Galatea. Musica Amphion provided the live music for the production, which was praised for its innovative staging and the seamless integration of music and dance. Musica Amphion has also been recognized for its recordings, with several of its albums winning awards and critical acclaim. In 2007, the ensemble's recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations was named "Recording of the Year" by the Dutch music magazine Luister. The ensemble's recording of Telemann's Tafelmusik was also highly praised, with Gramophone magazine calling it "a feast of Baroque instrumental music-making." In addition to its performances and recordings, Musica Amphion is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and it has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring Baroque music to a wider audience. In conclusion, Musica Amphion is a world-renowned Baroque ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and interpretation of Baroque music. Founded by Pieter-Jan Belder in 1993, the ensemble has established itself as a leading exponent of historically informed performance practices, using period instruments and techniques to bring the music of the Baroque era to life. With its core members of Belder, Zipperling, and Wentz, Musica Amphion has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, and its recordings have won critical acclaim and awards.

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