Period

:

Medieval

 

 

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Capilla Flamenca is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 1987 in Leuven, Belgium, by six musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich musical traditions of the Low Countries. The founding members of Capilla Flamenca were Dirk Snellings (viola da gamba), Dirk Van Caneghem (countertenor), Hendrik Vanden Abeele (tenor), Eitan Sorek (tenor), Jan Caals (baritone), and Philippe Malfeyt (lute). All of these musicians had extensive experience performing early music and had previously worked together in various ensembles. From the beginning, Capilla Flamenca was committed to performing music from the Flemish and Dutch schools of the Renaissance, which were known for their intricate polyphony and expressive harmonies. The ensemble also explored the music of other European countries, including Italy, Spain, and England, and developed a reputation for their sensitive and nuanced interpretations of early music. Over the years, Capilla Flamenca has undergone some changes in personnel, but the ensemble has remained true to its original mission of exploring the rich musical heritage of the Low Countries and beyond. Today, the ensemble consists of six members: Dirk Snellings (viola da gamba), Jan Van Elsacker (tenor), Lieven Termont (tenor), Tore Tom Denys (baritone), and Pieter Stas (lute). Capilla Flamenca has performed extensively throughout Europe and North America, and has earned critical acclaim for their performances and recordings. The ensemble has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Diapason d'Or and the International Classical Music Award. One of the highlights of Capilla Flamenca's career was their performance at the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 1992. This festival is one of the most important early music festivals in the world, and Capilla Flamenca's performance was widely praised for its sensitivity and musicality. Another notable performance by Capilla Flamenca was their collaboration with the renowned French ensemble Les Arts Florissants in 2005. The two ensembles performed together in a program of music by the Flemish composer Philippe Rogier, which was recorded and released on CD. Capilla Flamenca has also been involved in several innovative projects that explore the intersection of early music and contemporary art. In 2012, the ensemble collaborated with the Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen on a project called "The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project," which combined early music with live chickens and video projections. In addition to their performances and recordings, Capilla Flamenca is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has developed educational programs for schools and community groups. Overall, Capilla Flamenca is a highly respected and influential ensemble in the world of early music. Their commitment to exploring the rich musical traditions of the Low Countries and beyond, as well as their innovative collaborations and educational initiatives, have made them a beloved and important part of the classical music community.

More....