La Reverencia is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2015 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for early music. The ensemble is based in New York City and is known for its innovative and dynamic performances of Baroque and Renaissance music. The founding members of La Reverencia were violinist and artistic director Beth Wenstrom, harpsichordist and organist Avi Stein, and cellist and viola da gamba player Ezra Seltzer. All three musicians had extensive experience performing early music and were eager to create an ensemble that would explore the rich and diverse repertoire of the Baroque and Renaissance periods. From the beginning, La Reverencia was committed to performing on period instruments and using historically informed performance practices. This approach allowed the ensemble to create performances that were both authentic and engaging, bringing the music of the past to life for modern audiences. One of the highlights of La Reverencia's early performances was a concert at the 2016 Boston Early Music Festival Fringe. The ensemble performed a program of Italian Baroque music, including works by Vivaldi, Corelli, and Scarlatti. The performance was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with The Boston Musical Intelligencer praising the ensemble's "impeccable technique and musicality." In 2017, La Reverencia released its debut album, "The Art of the Trio," which featured works by Bach, Telemann, and Handel. The album was praised for its "exquisite playing" and "impeccable ensemble work" by Early Music America, and was named one of the top classical albums of the year by The New York Times. Over the years, La Reverencia has continued to perform at major early music festivals and venues across the United States, including the Berkeley Early Music Festival, the Indianapolis Early Music Festival, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of renowned early music performers, including soprano Sherezade Panthaki and viola da gamba player Josh Lee. In addition to its performances, La Reverencia is committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted masterclasses and workshops for students and amateur musicians, and has worked with organizations such as the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library to bring early music to a wider audience. La Reverencia has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2018, the ensemble was awarded the Early Music America/Naxos Recording Competition prize for its album "The Art of the Trio." The following year, the ensemble was named a finalist for the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. Today, La Reverencia continues to be a leading ensemble in the early music world, known for its innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to historical accuracy. The ensemble's members are dedicated to exploring the rich and diverse repertoire of the Baroque and Renaissance periods, and to sharing this music with audiences around the world.

More....