Ensemble Rara is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque and Classical periods. The ensemble was founded in 1991 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for historically informed performance practices and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of early music. The founding members of Ensemble Rara were violinist Rachel Isserlis, cellist Joseph Crouch, and harpsichordist John Toll. They were soon joined by flutist Rachel Brown and oboist Anthony Robson, both of whom were well-known performers in the early music scene. From the beginning, Ensemble Rara was committed to performing on period instruments and using historically informed performance practices. This meant that they studied the music of the Baroque and Classical periods in depth, and sought to recreate the sound and style of the music as it would have been heard in its original context. One of the highlights of Ensemble Rara's early career was their performance at the 1992 York Early Music Festival. This was a prestigious event that showcased some of the best early music ensembles from around the world. Ensemble Rara's performance was well-received, and they were praised for their virtuosity and their commitment to historical accuracy. Over the years, Ensemble Rara has performed at many other major festivals and venues, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Boston Early Music Festival. They have also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Mozart's Flute Quartets. Ensemble Rara's current members include Rachel Isserlis on violin, Joseph Crouch on cello, John Toll on harpsichord, and Rachel Brown on flute. They are joined by a rotating cast of guest musicians, depending on the repertoire they are performing. One of the things that sets Ensemble Rara apart from other early music ensembles is their commitment to exploring lesser-known repertoire. They have performed many works by composers who are not well-known today, but who were highly regarded in their own time. This has helped to shed light on the rich and varied musical landscape of the Baroque and Classical periods. Ensemble Rara has also been recognized for their contributions to the early music scene. They were awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or award in 2002 for their recording of Telemann's Trio Sonatas. This award is given to the best classical recordings of the year, and is highly coveted by musicians and record labels alike. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble Rara is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and have worked with schools and community groups to introduce people to the joys of early music. Overall, Ensemble Rara is a highly respected and influential ensemble in the early music world. Their commitment to historical accuracy and their exploration of lesser-known repertoire have helped to expand our understanding of the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. They continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world with their virtuosic performances and their passion for early music.

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