Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Mala Punica is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of medieval and early Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by Pedro Memelsdorff, a recorder player and musicologist who had previously worked with the Huelgas Ensemble and the Clemencic Consort. The name "Mala Punica" is derived from the Latin phrase for "evil pomegranate," which was a symbol of temptation and sin in medieval art and literature. The ensemble's name reflects its interest in exploring the darker and more complex aspects of medieval music and culture. The core members of Mala Punica are Pedro Memelsdorff (recorders), Crawford Young (lute), and Lior Leibovici (voice). The ensemble also frequently collaborates with other musicians and vocalists, depending on the repertoire being performed. Mala Punica has performed extensively throughout Europe and North America, and has been featured at major festivals such as the Festival d'Ambronay, the Tage Alter Musik in Regensburg, and the Boston Early Music Festival. The ensemble has also recorded several critically acclaimed albums for the Harmonia Mundi label, including "Ars Subtilior" (1997), "Ciconia: Opera Omnia" (2003), and "Liber de arte contrapuncti" (2010). One of the highlights of Mala Punica's career was their performance of the "Missa Prolationum" by Johannes Ockeghem at the Festival d'Ambronay in 1999. This complex and challenging work, which features intricate polyphonic writing and subtle rhythmic variations, is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance music. Mala Punica's performance was praised for its clarity, precision, and expressive power, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of early music. Another notable performance by Mala Punica was their collaboration with the vocal ensemble Graindelavoix on the album "Missa L'homme armé" (2014). This album features a selection of mass settings from the 15th century, all based on the popular tune "L'homme armé." The two ensembles combined their forces to create a rich and vibrant sound, with intricate vocal harmonies and colorful instrumental accompaniment. Mala Punica has received numerous awards and accolades for their recordings and performances. In 2004, they were awarded the Diapason d'Or for their album "Ciconia: Opera Omnia," which features the complete works of the composer Johannes Ciconia. The ensemble has also been praised for their innovative programming and their ability to bring new life to obscure and neglected works from the medieval and Renaissance periods. Overall, Mala Punica is a highly respected and influential ensemble in the world of early music. Their commitment to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of the medieval and Renaissance periods, as well as their virtuosic performances and innovative collaborations, have earned them a devoted following and a place among the leading interpreters of early music today.

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