Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

Collegium Marianum is a Czech classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1997 by Jana Semerádová, a flutist and conductor, and harpsichordist David Eben. The ensemble takes its name from the Marianum, a Jesuit college in Prague where many of the composers whose music they perform studied or worked. The core members of Collegium Marianum are Jana Semerádová on flute and David Eben on harpsichord, along with a rotating cast of musicians who specialize in Baroque instruments such as the viola da gamba, the theorbo, and the baroque violin. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest artists, including the soprano Hana Blažíková and the tenor Jan Kobow. Collegium Marianum has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Prague Spring Festival, and the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht. The ensemble has also toured extensively in the United States and Japan. One of the highlights of Collegium Marianum's career was their performance of Handel's opera "Rinaldo" at the Salzburg Festival in 2009. The production, which was directed by David Alden and conducted by Ivor Bolton, received critical acclaim for its innovative staging and the quality of the music. The ensemble also received praise for their performance of Bach's "St. John Passion" at the Prague Spring Festival in 2012. In addition to their live performances, Collegium Marianum has also released a number of recordings, including a critically acclaimed album of music by the Czech Baroque composer Jan Dismas Zelenka. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and their ability to capture the spirit of the Baroque era. Collegium Marianum has received a number of awards and honors for their work, including the Czech Music Council's Award for Best Early Music Ensemble in 2003 and the Czech Music Critics' Award for Best Recording of Baroque Music in 2010. The ensemble has also been recognized for their contributions to the cultural life of Prague, receiving the city's prestigious Gratias Agit award in 2014. Overall, Collegium Marianum is a highly respected ensemble that has made significant contributions to the performance and interpretation of Baroque music. Their commitment to historical accuracy and their technical excellence have earned them a loyal following among classical music enthusiasts around the world.

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