Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Parthenia Baroque is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of music from the Baroque era. The ensemble was founded in 1999 by four musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of the Baroque period. The founding members of Parthenia Baroque were Rosamund Morley (viola da gamba), Beverly Au (viola da gamba), Lisa Terry (viola da gamba), and Kathleen McIntosh (harpsichord). All four musicians were highly trained and experienced performers who had studied and performed extensively in the United States and Europe. The name "Parthenia" was chosen for the ensemble as a reference to a collection of keyboard music published in England in 1611. The collection, titled "Parthenia, or the Maydenhead of the First Musicke that ever was Printed for the Virginalls," was one of the first printed collections of keyboard music in England and included works by some of the leading composers of the time, including William Byrd and John Bull. From its inception, Parthenia Baroque has been dedicated to the performance of music from the Baroque era, with a particular focus on the music of England and France. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Henry Purcell, John Dowland, Marin Marais, and Jean-Philippe Rameau, among others. Over the years, Parthenia Baroque has performed at numerous venues and festivals throughout the United States and Europe, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Tage Alter Musik festival in Regensburg, Germany. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the vocal ensemble Pomerium and the viol consort Fretwork. One of the highlights of Parthenia Baroque's career was its performance at the 2009 Boston Early Music Festival. The ensemble presented a program titled "The Queen's Chamber," which featured music from the court of Queen Anne of England. The program included works by Purcell, John Blow, and other composers who were active during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Another notable performance by Parthenia Baroque was its appearance at the 2012 Berkeley Early Music Festival. The ensemble presented a program titled "The Art of Variation," which explored the theme of variation in Baroque music. The program included works by composers such as Marais, Bach, and Handel, and featured a variety of instrumental combinations, including solo viola da gamba, viola da gamba duos, and harpsichord. In addition to its performances, Parthenia Baroque has also received numerous awards and accolades for its recordings. The ensemble's debut CD, "The Food of Love," was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim for its sensitive and expressive performances of music by Dowland, Purcell, and other composers. The ensemble's subsequent recordings, including "Les Voix Humaines" and "The Secret Lover," have also been well-received by critics and audiences alike. Today, Parthenia Baroque continues to be one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. The ensemble's commitment to the performance of Baroque music, combined with its exceptional musicianship and artistry, has earned it a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the field. With its ongoing performances and recordings, Parthenia Baroque is sure to continue delighting audiences for years to come.

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