Capella Ricercar is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over three decades. The ensemble was founded in 1985 by Philippe Pierlot, a Belgian cellist and gambist, who remains the artistic director of the group to this day. The ensemble's name, Capella Ricercar, is derived from the Italian word "ricercare," which means "to search." This name reflects the ensemble's commitment to exploring and uncovering the hidden treasures of early music. Capella Ricercar is made up of a group of highly skilled musicians who specialize in performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble's core members include Philippe Pierlot on viola da gamba, François Fernandez on violin, Kaori Uemura on viola da gamba, and Eduardo Egüez on lute. Over the years, Capella Ricercar has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, and the Salzburg Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and soloists in the classical music world, including Jordi Savall, Gustav Leonhardt, and René Jacobs. One of the highlights of Capella Ricercar's career was their performance of Bach's St. John Passion at the 2010 Salzburg Festival. The ensemble received critical acclaim for their interpretation of the piece, with The New York Times describing their performance as "exquisite" and "deeply moving." Capella Ricercar has also been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1994, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for their recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. They have also been awarded the Choc de la Musique and the Gramophone Award for their recordings of works by composers such as Monteverdi, Purcell, and Vivaldi. In addition to their performances and recordings, Capella Ricercar is also committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of classical musicians. The ensemble regularly conducts masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have also released a number of educational recordings and DVDs. Overall, Capella Ricercar is a truly exceptional ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their commitment to exploring and uncovering the hidden treasures of early music, combined with their exceptional musicianship and artistry, has earned them a well-deserved place among the world's most respected and admired classical music ensembles.

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