Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Netherlands

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1990 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. The ensemble takes its name from the famous Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, which was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and a center of musical activity during the 18th century. The founding members of the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam were all accomplished musicians with extensive experience in the field of early music. They included the violinist Jaap Schröder, the cellist Anner Bylsma, the harpsichordist Bob van Asperen, and the flutist Wilbert Hazelzet. These musicians had all worked together in various other ensembles and were united by a desire to explore the rich repertoire of chamber music from the Baroque and Classical periods. Over the years, the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam has undergone some changes in its membership, but it has always maintained a core group of musicians who are dedicated to the ensemble's mission of performing historically informed interpretations of early music. Some of the current members of the ensemble include the violinist Ryo Terakado, the cellist Richte van der Meer, the harpsichordist Siebe Henstra, and the flutist Jed Wentz. One of the highlights of the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam's career was its performance at the 1991 Utrecht Early Music Festival, which was one of the most prestigious early music festivals in Europe. The ensemble's program included works by J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, and Telemann, and it was praised by critics for its virtuosity and sensitivity to the nuances of the music. Since then, the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam has performed at many other major early music festivals and concert series throughout Europe and North America. Some of the ensemble's other notable performances include appearances at the Boston Early Music Festival, the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, and the Tage Alter Musik in Regensburg. In addition to its live performances, the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam has also recorded extensively, with over a dozen albums to its name. Many of these recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their technical excellence and musical sensitivity. One of the ensemble's most successful recordings was its 1995 album of J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, which was released on the Channel Classics label. This recording was praised by critics for its lively and engaging performances, and it went on to win several awards, including a Diapason d'Or and a Gramophone Award. Another notable recording by the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam was its 2001 album of Mozart's Flute Quartets, which was also released on the Channel Classics label. This recording featured the flutist Jed Wentz, who was praised by critics for his virtuosic and expressive playing. The album went on to win several awards, including a Choc de la Musique and a Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. Overall, the Schönbrunn Ensemble Amsterdam has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. Its members are all highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to performing historically informed interpretations of the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. The ensemble's performances and recordings have been widely praised by critics and have won numerous awards, making it a true treasure of the classical music world.

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