Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Zefiro is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque era. The group was founded in 1989 by the Italian musician Alfredo Bernardini, who is also the ensemble's artistic director and principal oboist. Bernardini was born in Rome in 1961 and began playing the oboe at a young age. He studied at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome and later at the Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam. He quickly established himself as a leading oboist in the early music scene, performing with ensembles such as La Petite Bande and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra. In 1989, Bernardini founded Zefiro with a group of like-minded musicians who shared his passion for Baroque music. The ensemble takes its name from the Greek god of the west wind, which was believed to bring good luck and inspiration to musicians. Zefiro quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic performances of Baroque music. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann, as well as lesser-known composers from the Baroque era. One of Zefiro's early highlights was its performance at the 1991 Utrecht Early Music Festival, where the ensemble received critical acclaim for its interpretation of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. The group went on to perform at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Zefiro has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and violinist Giuliano Carmignola. The ensemble's recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Diapason d'Or and the Gramophone Award. In addition to its performances and recordings, Zefiro is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has established a scholarship program to support promising young oboists. Today, Zefiro continues to be one of the leading ensembles in the early music scene, known for its virtuosic performances and innovative interpretations of Baroque music. The group's commitment to excellence and passion for music has made it a beloved and respected institution in the classical music world.

More....