Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Rutgers University Collegium Musicum is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1957 by Professor John Ward. The ensemble is made up of students, faculty, and community members who share a passion for early music. The group specializes in performing music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The ensemble's founding was inspired by the revival of interest in early music that was taking place in the mid-20th century. Professor Ward, who was a musicologist and performer, saw an opportunity to create a group that would explore this music and bring it to a wider audience. He recruited a group of students and community members who shared his enthusiasm, and the Rutgers University Collegium Musicum was born. Over the years, the ensemble has had many members, both students and community members. Some of the main members of the group have included Professor Ward himself, who directed the ensemble for many years, as well as other faculty members such as Professor Andrew Kirkman and Professor Robert W. Butts. The group has also had many talented student performers, some of whom have gone on to have successful careers in music. One of the highlights of the ensemble's history was its performance at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. The group was invited to perform at the fair's medieval pavilion, where they played music from the 13th and 14th centuries. The performance was a great success, and it helped to raise the profile of the ensemble. Another notable performance by the ensemble was its collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in 2007. The two groups joined forces to perform Handel's "Messiah" at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The performance was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it showcased the ensemble's versatility and skill. In addition to its performances, the ensemble has also received many awards and honors over the years. In 2010, the group was awarded the Early Music America/Naxos Recording Competition prize for its recording of music by the 15th-century composer Guillaume Du Fay. The recording was praised for its "clarity, precision, and beauty," and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading early music groups in the country. Overall, Rutgers University Collegium Musicum has had a long and distinguished history. The ensemble has brought the music of the past to life for countless audiences, and it has inspired generations of musicians to explore the rich and varied world of early music. With its talented performers and dedicated leadership, the group is sure to continue making beautiful music for many years to come.

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