Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Britten Sinfonia is a British classical music ensemble that was founded in 1992 by a group of musicians who were passionate about performing music from the Baroque era to contemporary works. The ensemble is named after the British composer Benjamin Britten, who was known for his innovative and eclectic approach to music. The founding members of Britten Sinfonia were violinist Nicholas Daniel, cellist Caroline Dearnley, and pianist Huw Watkins. They were soon joined by other musicians who shared their vision of creating a flexible and dynamic ensemble that could perform a wide range of repertoire with a high level of artistry and creativity. Over the years, Britten Sinfonia has grown in size and reputation, and has become one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the UK. The ensemble is known for its adventurous programming, which often combines classical works with contemporary music, and for its collaborations with leading composers, soloists, and artists from other disciplines. Britten Sinfonia has a core group of musicians who perform regularly with the ensemble, but also works with guest artists and conductors to create a diverse and exciting range of performances. The current members of the ensemble include violinists Thomas Gould, Miranda Dale, and Jacqueline Shave, violists Clare Finnimore and Caroline Dearnley, cellists Caroline Dearnley and Christopher van Kampen, double bassist Michael Willens, flutist Emer McDonough, oboist Nicholas Daniel, clarinetist Mark van de Wiel, bassoonist Amy Harman, horn player Richard Watkins, and percussionist Adrian Spillett. One of the highlights of Britten Sinfonia's career was its residency at the Barbican Centre in London from 2004 to 2007. During this time, the ensemble performed a series of concerts that explored the connections between music, art, and literature, and featured collaborations with artists such as the painter Peter Doig and the writer Ali Smith. Another notable achievement for Britten Sinfonia was its performance of Bach's St. John Passion at the BBC Proms in 2013. The ensemble was praised for its sensitive and nuanced interpretation of the work, which featured soloists James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, and Carolyn Sampson, and was conducted by Stephen Layton. Britten Sinfonia has also been recognized for its recordings, which include works by Britten, Mozart, and Thomas Adès. The ensemble's recording of Adès's Violin Concerto was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019, and its recording of Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings won a Gramophone Award in 2013. In addition to its performances and recordings, Britten Sinfonia is committed to education and outreach, and works with schools, community groups, and young musicians to promote classical music and inspire the next generation of performers and audiences. Overall, Britten Sinfonia is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the classical music world. With its commitment to artistic excellence, adventurous programming, and community engagement, the ensemble is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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