Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Medieval

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Alcatraz is a classical music group that specializes in medieval and Renaissance music. The group was formed in 1984 by four musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich musical traditions of the past. The founding members of Ensemble Alcatraz were Susan Rode Morris, Karen Clark, Shira Kammen, and John Fleagle. All four musicians were accomplished performers in their own right, with extensive experience in early music and other classical genres. The group's name, Alcatraz, is derived from the Arabic word for "the island," which was the name given to the fortress that once stood on the island of Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay. The name was chosen to reflect the group's commitment to exploring the musical traditions of different cultures and time periods. From the beginning, Ensemble Alcatraz was dedicated to performing music that was both historically accurate and musically engaging. The group's repertoire includes music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque periods, as well as traditional music from around the world. Over the years, Ensemble Alcatraz has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Edinburgh Festival. The group has also collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles, including the Chanticleer vocal ensemble and the San Francisco Symphony. One of the highlights of Ensemble Alcatraz's career was their performance at the 1990 Berkeley Early Music Festival. The group's performance of medieval and Renaissance music was widely praised for its authenticity and musicality, and helped to establish Ensemble Alcatraz as one of the leading early music ensembles in the world. In addition to their live performances, Ensemble Alcatraz has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Danse Royale," was released in 1987 and featured music from the French court of the 14th century. The album was praised for its "exquisite musicianship" and "impeccable taste." Other notable recordings by Ensemble Alcatraz include "Vox Feminae," which features music by female composers from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and "Cantigas de Santa Maria," which features music from the 13th-century Spanish court. Ensemble Alcatraz has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Grammy nomination for their album "Cantigas de Santa Maria." The group has also been recognized for their contributions to the field of early music, and has been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council. Despite their success and acclaim, Ensemble Alcatraz remains committed to their mission of exploring the rich musical traditions of the past. The group continues to perform and record music from a wide range of cultures and time periods, and their dedication to historical accuracy and musical excellence has made them one of the most respected and beloved early music ensembles in the world.

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