Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Ama Deus Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1977 by Valentin Radu, a Romanian-born conductor and pianist. The ensemble is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. Valentin Radu was born in Romania in 1946 and began studying music at a young age. He attended the National University of Music in Bucharest, where he studied piano and conducting. After completing his studies, Radu worked as a conductor in Romania before moving to the United States in 1975. In 1977, Radu founded Ama Deus Ensemble with the goal of bringing Baroque and Classical music to a wider audience. The ensemble's name, which means "Love of God" in Latin, reflects Radu's belief that music is a spiritual experience that can bring people closer to God. The ensemble's early performances were held in churches and other small venues in the Philadelphia area. The ensemble's first major performance was in 1980, when they performed Handel's Messiah at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The performance was well-received and helped to establish Ama Deus Ensemble as a leading classical music ensemble in the Philadelphia area. Over the years, Ama Deus Ensemble has performed at many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The ensemble has also performed at music festivals around the world, including the Prague Spring Festival in the Czech Republic and the Festival de Musique de Saint-Barthélemy in the French West Indies. Ama Deus Ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music, particularly the works of Handel, Bach, and Mozart. The ensemble has also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including Robert Maggio and Kile Smith. The ensemble's main members include Valentin Radu, who serves as the ensemble's conductor and artistic director, and soprano Julianne Baird, who has been a member of the ensemble since its founding. Other members of the ensemble include violinist Nancy Bean, cellist Lloyd Smith, and harpsichordist Adam Pearl. Ama Deus Ensemble has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 1995, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. The ensemble has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Album and Best Choral Performance. In addition to its performances, Ama Deus Ensemble is also committed to music education. The ensemble offers educational programs for students of all ages, including workshops, masterclasses, and performances in schools. The ensemble also offers a summer music camp for young musicians. In conclusion, Ama Deus Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1977 by Valentin Radu. The ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music and has performed at many prestigious venues around the world. The ensemble's main members include Valentin Radu and soprano Julianne Baird, and the ensemble has received many awards and accolades over the years. Ama Deus Ensemble is also committed to music education and offers educational programs for students of all ages.

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