Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

Les Chantres Musiciens is a French classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The group was founded in 1999 by conductor and musicologist Olivier Opdebeeck, who sought to create a vocal ensemble that would specialize in the performance of early music. The group's name, Les Chantres Musiciens, translates to "the musical singers" in English, and reflects their commitment to the art of singing. The ensemble is made up of a core group of 12 singers, who are all highly trained in the art of early music performance. They are accompanied by a variety of instrumentalists, including lute players, harpists, and percussionists. From the very beginning, Les Chantres Musiciens set out to explore the rich and varied repertoire of early music, from the medieval period through the Baroque era. They quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to bring this music to life in a way that was both historically informed and emotionally engaging. Over the years, Les Chantres Musiciens have performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading early music ensembles, including the Huelgas Ensemble and the Tallis Scholars. One of the highlights of Les Chantres Musiciens' career came in 2005, when they were invited to perform at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI. The group performed a program of sacred music from the Renaissance period, including works by Palestrina, Victoria, and Lassus. The performance was widely praised for its beauty and its spiritual power, and helped to cement Les Chantres Musiciens' reputation as one of the world's leading early music ensembles. In addition to their live performances, Les Chantres Musiciens have also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Missa Pange Lingua," was released in 2001 and featured music by Josquin des Prez and other Renaissance composers. The album was widely praised for its clarity and its sensitivity to the nuances of the music. Since then, Les Chantres Musiciens have released several more albums, including "Lamentations," which featured music by the Spanish composer Francisco Guerrero, and "Missa Ave Regina," which featured music by the French composer Antoine Brumel. All of their recordings have been praised for their exceptional musicianship and their commitment to historical accuracy. Over the years, Les Chantres Musiciens have received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 2003, they were awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or award for their recording of music by the French composer Guillaume de Machaut. They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Choral Performance and Best Classical Album. Despite their many achievements, Les Chantres Musiciens remain committed to their mission of bringing early music to life for modern audiences. They continue to perform regularly, both in France and around the world, and are widely regarded as one of the most important and influential early music ensembles of our time.

More....