Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Capella Alamire is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Renaissance and Baroque music. The group was founded in 1991 by Peter Urquhart, a musicologist and conductor who had a passion for early music. Urquhart assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his love for this genre, and together they began to explore the rich and varied repertoire of Renaissance and Baroque music. The name "Capella Alamire" is derived from the Latin phrase "capella alia miretur," which means "another chapel wonders." This phrase was used by the 16th-century music theorist and composer Heinrich Glarean to describe the music of Josquin des Prez, one of the greatest composers of the Renaissance. The name reflects the group's commitment to exploring the music of this period and bringing it to life for modern audiences. Over the years, Capella Alamire has become known for its innovative and engaging performances of early music. The group has performed at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and North America, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Utrecht Early Music Festival, and the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht. They have also recorded several critically acclaimed albums, including "Music for the Tudors" and "Music for the Habsburgs." One of the highlights of Capella Alamire's career was their performance at the 2009 Utrecht Early Music Festival. The group presented a program of music by the 16th-century composer Thomas Tallis, which was hailed by critics as a "triumph of choral singing." The performance was recorded and released as a live album, which received widespread praise for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. Capella Alamire has also been recognized for their contributions to the field of early music. In 2003, the group was awarded the prestigious Noah Greenberg Award by the American Musicological Society. This award is given annually to a performer or ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance of early music. Capella Alamire was recognized for their "outstanding musicianship, innovative programming, and commitment to the highest standards of historical performance practice." Despite their many achievements, Capella Alamire remains committed to their mission of bringing the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods to life for modern audiences. They continue to explore new repertoire, experiment with different performance styles, and collaborate with other musicians and ensembles to create innovative and engaging performances. Through their work, they have helped to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of the past, while also inspiring new generations of musicians and music lovers.

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