Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal (SMAM) is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. Founded in 1974 by Christopher Jackson, a musicologist and conductor, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and renowned early music groups in Canada and beyond. The founding of SMAM was inspired by Jackson's desire to bring the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods to a wider audience. He assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his passion for early music, and together they began to explore the rich repertoire of this era. The ensemble's name, which translates to "Studio of Ancient Music of Montreal," reflects their commitment to the study and performance of music from the past. Over the years, SMAM has attracted some of the finest musicians in Canada and beyond. The ensemble's core members include sopranos Suzie LeBlanc and Shannon Mercer, tenor Charles Daniels, and bass-baritone Matthew White. These musicians are known for their virtuosic performances and their ability to bring the music of the past to life. SMAM has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Canada and around the world. The ensemble has been featured at the Montreal Baroque Festival, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Utrecht Early Music Festival, among others. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading early music ensembles, including Les Arts Florissants, the Tallis Scholars, and the Academy of Ancient Music. One of the highlights of SMAM's career was their performance of Handel's Messiah in 1999. This performance, which featured the ensemble's core members and a full orchestra, was hailed as a triumph by critics and audiences alike. The ensemble's interpretation of this beloved work was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. SMAM has also been recognized for their recordings. The ensemble has released several albums on the ATMA Classique label, including a critically acclaimed recording of Bach's St. John Passion. This recording, which features the ensemble's core members and a period-instrument orchestra, was praised for its "clarity, precision, and emotional depth" by Gramophone magazine. In addition to their performances and recordings, SMAM is committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly offers workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, and they have collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience. SMAM's commitment to excellence and their passion for early music have made them one of the most respected and beloved ensembles in Canada and beyond. Their performances and recordings have inspired countless musicians and music lovers, and their dedication to education and outreach ensures that the music of the past will continue to be heard and appreciated for generations to come.

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