Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Chatham Baroque is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1990 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque music, as well as music from the Renaissance and early Classical periods. The group consists of three main members: Andrew Fouts on violin, Patricia Halverson on viola da gamba, and Scott Pauley on theorbo and Baroque guitar. The founding of Chatham Baroque was the result of a collaboration between Andrew Fouts and Patricia Halverson, who were both studying at Carnegie Mellon University at the time. They were both interested in early music and began playing together informally. They soon realized that they had a shared passion for Baroque music and decided to form an ensemble. They were later joined by Scott Pauley, who had also been studying early music at Carnegie Mellon. Chatham Baroque quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic performances and innovative programming. They began performing regularly in Pittsburgh and soon expanded their reach to other cities in the United States and Europe. They have performed at major music festivals, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Tage Alter Musik Regensburg. One of the highlights of Chatham Baroque's career was their performance at the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. The festival celebrated the music and culture of Appalachia, and Chatham Baroque was invited to perform as representatives of the region's early music tradition. The ensemble's performance was well-received and helped to raise their profile nationally. Chatham Baroque has also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. They have been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Small Ensemble Performance and Best Classical Album. They have also received the Early Music America/Naxos Recording Award for their album "Españoleta," which features music from 17th-century Spain. In addition to their performances and recordings, Chatham Baroque is also committed to education and outreach. They regularly give workshops and masterclasses for students and young musicians, and they have developed a program called "Artful Aging" that brings music to seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Overall, Chatham Baroque is a highly respected and influential ensemble in the world of early music. Their innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to education and outreach have made them a beloved and important part of the classical music community.

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