Genre

:

Choral

 

Chapelle du Roi is a British classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of sacred music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 1994 by Alistair Dixon, who remains its artistic director to this day. Dixon had previously been a member of the Tallis Scholars, another renowned early music ensemble, and he founded Chapelle du Roi with the aim of exploring the rich repertoire of sacred music from the Tudor and Stuart periods in England. The ensemble takes its name from the Chapel Royal, the group of musicians who performed for the monarchs of England from the Middle Ages to the present day. The core members of Chapelle du Roi are a group of six male singers, who perform a cappella or with instrumental accompaniment. The ensemble also collaborates with a range of instrumentalists, including organists, viol players, and brass players, depending on the repertoire being performed. One of the highlights of Chapelle du Roi's early career was its recording of William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices, which was released in 1995 to critical acclaim. The recording was praised for its clarity and precision, as well as its sensitive interpretation of the music. Since then, Chapelle du Roi has gone on to perform and record a wide range of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including works by composers such as Thomas Tallis, John Taverner, Orlando Gibbons, and Henry Purcell. The ensemble has also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including Gabriel Jackson and Francis Pott. Chapelle du Roi has performed at many of the UK's leading concert venues, including the Wigmore Hall, St John's Smith Square, and the Royal Albert Hall. The ensemble has also toured extensively in Europe and the United States, and has performed at major festivals such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Boston Early Music Festival. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its appearance at the 2002 Proms, where it performed a program of music by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and was praised for its "clarity, precision, and beauty" by critics. Chapelle du Roi has also received numerous awards and accolades for its recordings, including a Gramophone Award for its recording of music by John Sheppard in 2005. The ensemble's recording of music by Thomas Tallis was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2010. In addition to its performances and recordings, Chapelle du Roi is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for singers and instrumentalists, and has worked with schools and community groups to promote the appreciation of early music. Overall, Chapelle du Roi has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music, with a reputation for excellence in performance and interpretation. The ensemble's commitment to exploring the rich heritage of sacred music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods has made it a valuable contributor to the cultural life of the UK and beyond.

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