Fantasticus is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the 17th century. The ensemble was founded in 2010 by three musicians: Rie Kimura (violin), Robert Smith (viola da gamba), and Guillermo Brachetta (harpsichord). The three musicians met while studying at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague in the Netherlands and discovered a shared passion for early music. The ensemble's name, Fantasticus, comes from the term "fantasia," which was a popular musical form in the 17th century. The term "fantasia" referred to a piece of music that was free-flowing and improvisational in nature, allowing the performer to showcase their virtuosity and creativity. The members of Fantasticus felt that this term perfectly encapsulated their approach to music-making. Since its founding, Fantasticus has become one of the most highly-regarded ensembles in the early music world. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe, including the Utrecht Early Music Festival, the Festival Oude Muziek in Bruges, and the Wigmore Hall in London. They have also toured extensively in the United States and Asia. One of the highlights of Fantasticus's career was their performance at the 2014 Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht. The ensemble performed a program of music by the Italian composer Giovanni Battista Fontana, which was met with critical acclaim. The Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant praised the ensemble's "exquisite playing" and "impeccable ensemble work." Another notable performance by Fantasticus was their 2016 concert at the Wigmore Hall in London. The ensemble performed a program of music by the German composer Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, which was recorded and released on the Wigmore Hall Live label. The recording received widespread critical acclaim, with Gramophone magazine praising the ensemble's "impeccable technique" and "sensitive interpretation." In addition to their performances, Fantasticus has also received numerous awards and accolades. In 2012, the ensemble won the prestigious York Early Music International Young Artists Competition, which helped to launch their career. They have also been awarded the ECHO Rising Stars award, which recognizes the most promising young musicians in Europe. The members of Fantasticus are all highly accomplished musicians in their own right. Rie Kimura is a sought-after baroque violinist who has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles. Robert Smith is a virtuoso viola da gamba player who has recorded extensively as a soloist and chamber musician. Guillermo Brachetta is a highly-regarded harpsichordist who has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles. Together, the members of Fantasticus have developed a unique and highly expressive approach to early music performance. Their performances are characterized by their virtuosity, sensitivity, and improvisational flair. They are committed to bringing the music of the 17th century to life for modern audiences, and their performances are always engaging and exciting. In conclusion, Fantasticus is a highly-regarded early music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the early music world. The ensemble's founding members, Rie Kimura, Robert Smith, and Guillermo Brachetta, have developed a unique and highly expressive approach to early music performance that has won them numerous awards and accolades.

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