Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre, also known as The Orchestra of the Lyrebird, is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1980 by conductor and harpsichordist, Christopher Hogwood. The ensemble is based in London, England and is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. Christopher Hogwood was a well-known conductor and musicologist who had a passion for early music. He founded L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre with the goal of performing music from the Baroque and Classical periods on period instruments. The ensemble's name was inspired by the lyrebird, a bird native to Australia that is known for its ability to mimic the sounds of other birds and animals. The ensemble's main members are a group of highly skilled musicians who specialize in playing period instruments. These instruments are replicas of the instruments that were used during the Baroque and Classical periods, and they are designed to produce a sound that is similar to the sound that would have been heard during those periods. Over the years, L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. The ensemble has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1982. The performance was highly praised by critics and helped to establish L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre as one of the leading ensembles in the early music movement. In 1983, the ensemble won the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Instrumental Recording for their album, "The Brandenburg Concertos" by Johann Sebastian Bach. The album was recorded on period instruments and was praised for its authenticity and musicality. Another notable performance by L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre was their 1991 performance of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The performance was directed by Peter Hall and was praised for its energy and vitality. In addition to their performances and recordings, L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre has also been involved in music education. The ensemble has conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has worked to promote the use of period instruments in music education. Sadly, Christopher Hogwood passed away in 2014, but L'Ensemble Orchestral de L'Oiseau-Lyre continues to perform and record under the direction of other conductors. The ensemble remains committed to the performance of Baroque and Classical music on period instruments, and continues to be a leading ensemble in the early music movement.

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