Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Vocal

 

Oltremontano is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing early music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 1985 by Wim Becu, a Belgian musician who plays the viola da gamba and the trombone. Becu was inspired to start the ensemble after studying early music at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland. The name "Oltremontano" means "beyond the mountains" in Italian, a reference to the fact that the ensemble is based in Belgium but performs music from all over Europe. The ensemble's mission is to bring early music to life for modern audiences, using historically informed performance practices and authentic instruments. Over the years, Oltremontano has had a rotating cast of musicians, but some of the core members have included Wim Becu on viola da gamba and trombone, Koen Dieltiens on recorder and bassoon, and Kris Verhelst on cornetto and trumpet. The ensemble has also collaborated with many guest musicians and vocalists, depending on the repertoire being performed. One of the highlights of Oltremontano's career was their performance at the 1992 Utrecht Early Music Festival, one of the most prestigious early music festivals in the world. The ensemble performed a program of music by the Italian composer Giovanni Gabrieli, which was praised for its virtuosity and authenticity. This performance helped to establish Oltremontano as one of the leading early music ensembles in Europe. Another notable performance by Oltremontano was their 2005 concert at the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, where they performed music by the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach. This performance was particularly noteworthy because Oltremontano used period instruments and historical performance practices to recreate the sound of Bach's music as it would have been heard in his own time. Oltremontano has also won several awards and accolades over the years. In 1996, they won the prestigious Prix de l'Académie du Disque Français for their recording of music by the French composer Antoine Boësset. This award recognized Oltremontano's commitment to authenticity and their ability to bring early music to life in a way that is both historically accurate and musically engaging. In addition to their performances and recordings, Oltremontano has also been involved in educational outreach programs, bringing early music to schools and communities throughout Europe. They have worked with young musicians and students to help them understand the history and context of early music, and to inspire them to explore this rich and fascinating musical tradition. Overall, Oltremontano is a highly respected and influential ensemble in the world of early music. Their commitment to authenticity and historical accuracy, combined with their virtuosic performances and engaging programming, have made them a favorite of audiences and critics alike. Whether performing music by Gabrieli, Bach, or other early composers, Oltremontano brings a sense of passion and excitement to their music that is truly inspiring.

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