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Ensemble

 

La Stagione Armonica is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1991 by Sergio Balestracci, an Italian conductor and cellist. The group is based in Rome, Italy, and is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. Balestracci was born in Rome in 1953 and began studying the cello at a young age. He went on to study at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome and later at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna. He has performed with many prestigious orchestras and ensembles, including the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the Academy of Ancient Music. In 1991, Balestracci founded La Stagione Armonica with the goal of performing Baroque and Classical music on period instruments. The ensemble's name translates to "The Harmonic Season" in English, and reflects the group's focus on the music of the seasons and the natural world. La Stagione Armonica quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The group's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Mozart, as well as lesser-known Baroque and Classical composers. One of the highlights of La Stagione Armonica's early years was its performance of Handel's oratorio "Messiah" in 1993. The ensemble's interpretation of the work was praised for its clarity and energy, and helped to establish the group as a leading interpreter of Baroque music. In the years that followed, La Stagione Armonica continued to perform at major venues and festivals throughout Europe and the United States. The group has collaborated with many renowned soloists, including mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and violinist Giuliano Carmignola. In 2001, La Stagione Armonica released its first recording, a collection of Vivaldi concertos titled "Concerti per violoncello e archi." The album was well-received by critics and helped to further establish the group's reputation as a leading interpreter of Baroque music. Over the years, La Stagione Armonica has received many awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2005, the group was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for its recording of Handel's "Ariodante." The following year, the ensemble received the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons." In addition to its performances and recordings, La Stagione Armonica is also committed to education and outreach. The group regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring classical music to a wider audience. Today, La Stagione Armonica continues to be one of the leading interpreters of Baroque and Classical music. The group's commitment to period instruments and historically-informed performance practices has helped to bring new life to these timeless works, and its innovative programming and high-quality performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.

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