Arion Orchestre Baroque is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1981 in Montreal, Canada, by flutist Claire Guimond and harpsichordist Hank Knox. Since its founding, Arion Orchestre Baroque has become one of the most respected and acclaimed Baroque ensembles in the world. The ensemble's founding members, Claire Guimond and Hank Knox, were both students at McGill University's Faculty of Music in the late 1970s. They shared a passion for Baroque music and decided to form a group that would specialize in the performance of this repertoire. They named the ensemble after the Greek mythological figure Arion, who was known for his musical abilities. Arion Orchestre Baroque's early performances were small-scale affairs, with just a handful of musicians performing in intimate venues. However, the ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and soon began to attract larger audiences. In 1983, the ensemble made its first international tour, performing in Europe and the United States. Over the years, Arion Orchestre Baroque has expanded its repertoire to include music from the Classical and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary music. However, the ensemble remains best known for its performances of Baroque music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi. The ensemble's main members have changed over the years, but Claire Guimond and Hank Knox have remained at the core of the group. Guimond is widely regarded as one of the world's leading Baroque flutists, while Knox is a highly respected harpsichordist and conductor. Other notable members of the ensemble have included violinist Chantal Rémillard, cellist Susie Napper, and soprano Suzie LeBlanc. Arion Orchestre Baroque has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, and the Salzburg Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and conductor Kent Nagano. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 1999 concert at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, where it performed a program of Baroque music with jazz musicians. The concert was a huge success and helped to introduce Baroque music to a new audience. Arion Orchestre Baroque has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1991, the ensemble won the prestigious Grand Prix du Disque from the Académie Charles Cros for its recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. The ensemble has also been nominated for several Juno Awards, Canada's top music award, and has won the award twice, in 1992 and 1994. In addition to its performances and recordings, Arion Orchestre Baroque is also committed to music education. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has established a Baroque music summer school in Quebec. In conclusion, Arion Orchestre Baroque is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and promotion of Baroque music. Founded in 1981 by Claire Guimond and Hank Knox, the ensemble has become known for its high-quality performances, collaborations with leading musicians, and commitment to music education.

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