Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United States of America

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Bach Sinfonia is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Founded in 1995 by conductor and harpsichordist Daniel Abraham, the ensemble has become known for its historically informed performances and its commitment to bringing the music of the Baroque era to modern audiences. Daniel Abraham, a graduate of the Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music, founded the Bach Sinfonia with the goal of creating a professional ensemble that would focus on the music of Bach and other Baroque composers. He assembled a group of talented musicians, many of whom were also graduates of top music schools, and began rehearsing and performing in the Washington, D.C. area. The Bach Sinfonia quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and its dedication to historical accuracy. The ensemble uses period instruments and follows the performance practices of the Baroque era, including the use of ornamentation and improvisation. This approach has earned the Bach Sinfonia praise from critics and audiences alike, and has helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading Baroque music groups in the United States. Over the years, the Bach Sinfonia has performed at a variety of venues and events, including concerts, festivals, and educational programs. The ensemble has also collaborated with other musicians and organizations, including the Washington Bach Consort and the Folger Consort. Some of the highlights of the Bach Sinfonia's performances include: - In 2000, the Bach Sinfonia performed Bach's Mass in B Minor at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The performance was praised for its "clarity, precision, and beauty" by The Washington Post. - In 2005, the Bach Sinfonia performed Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. The performance was described as "a deeply moving and musically satisfying experience" by The Washington Post. - In 2010, the Bach Sinfonia performed Bach's Brandenburg Concertos at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The performance was part of the museum's "America Now" series, which showcased contemporary American artists and performers. - In 2015, the Bach Sinfonia performed Bach's Christmas Oratorio at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. The performance was praised for its "exquisite musicianship" by The Washington Post. In addition to its performances, the Bach Sinfonia has also received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in an Artistic Discipline by the District of Columbia government. In 2008, the Bach Sinfonia was named "Best Classical Ensemble" by the Washington City Paper. And in 2015, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its performances and educational programs. Today, the Bach Sinfonia continues to perform and educate audiences about the music of the Baroque era. The ensemble's current members include Daniel Abraham (conductor and harpsichordist), Risa Browder (violinist), Stephanie Vial (cellist), and many other talented musicians. The Bach Sinfonia's commitment to historical accuracy and its dedication to bringing the music of Bach and other Baroque composers to modern audiences have made it a beloved and respected ensemble in the classical music world.

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