Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

The Paul Kuentz Orchestra & Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. Founded in 1972 by French conductor Paul Kuentz, the orchestra and chorus have become renowned for their performances of Baroque and Classical music. Paul Kuentz was born in Mulhouse, France in 1930. He began his musical career as a pianist, but soon turned to conducting. He studied under the renowned conductor Hermann Scherchen and later worked as an assistant to Karl Richter. Kuentz founded his own orchestra and chorus in 1972 with the aim of performing Baroque and Classical music in a historically informed manner. The Paul Kuentz Orchestra & Chorus quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality performances. They have performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Musikverein in Vienna, and the Salle Pleyel in Paris. They have also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The ensemble's repertoire is focused on Baroque and Classical music, with a particular emphasis on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. They have recorded numerous albums of Bach's music, including the complete Brandenburg Concertos and the Mass in B Minor. They have also recorded works by other Baroque and Classical composers, such as Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, and Haydn. The Paul Kuentz Orchestra & Chorus has had many notable members over the years. In the early years of the ensemble, Kuentz himself played harpsichord in the orchestra. The chorus has featured many talented singers, including sopranos Barbara Schlick and Rachel Yakar, tenor Howard Crook, and bass Peter Kooy. The orchestra has also featured many talented instrumentalists, such as flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal and cellist Maurice Gendron. One of the highlights of the Paul Kuentz Orchestra & Chorus's career was their performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. They performed Handel's "Messiah" in front of a live audience of over 10,000 people, as well as a television audience of millions. The performance was widely praised for its energy and enthusiasm, and helped to bring the ensemble to a wider audience. The ensemble has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1980, they were awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their recording of Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos." They have also been awarded the Diapason d'Or, the Choc de la Musique, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik for their recordings. Despite the many accolades and achievements of the Paul Kuentz Orchestra & Chorus, the ensemble has faced some challenges over the years. In 2002, Paul Kuentz passed away, leaving the ensemble without its founder and guiding force. However, the ensemble has continued to perform and record under the leadership of Kuentz's son, Philippe. Today, the Paul Kuentz Orchestra & Chorus continues to be a beloved and respected ensemble in the world of classical music. They have released over 100 recordings and continue to perform regularly throughout Europe and beyond. Their commitment to historically informed performance and their passion for Baroque and Classical music have made them a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

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