Role

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Ensemble

Period

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Baroque

 

Aradia Chorus is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 by conductor and artistic director Kevin Mallon. The ensemble is based in Toronto, Canada, and is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. Kevin Mallon, who is originally from Dublin, Ireland, studied music at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He moved to Canada in 1988 and has since become a prominent figure in the Canadian classical music scene. Mallon has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Irish Baroque Orchestra. Mallon founded Aradia Chorus with the goal of creating a professional ensemble that would specialize in the performance of Baroque and Classical music. The ensemble takes its name from the Greek goddess of hunting, Aradia, who was also associated with music and dance. The main members of Aradia Chorus are professional singers and instrumentalists who specialize in early music. The ensemble typically performs with a small orchestra, consisting of period instruments such as the harpsichord, baroque violin, and viola da gamba. Aradia Chorus has performed at numerous venues and festivals throughout Canada and the United States, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, and the Montreal Baroque Festival. The ensemble has also toured internationally, performing in Europe and Asia. One of the highlights of Aradia Chorus's career was its performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, in 2009. The performance was part of the BBC Proms, a series of concerts that are broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. The concert was well-received by both the audience and critics, with The Guardian describing it as "a performance of great energy and conviction." Aradia Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 2002, the ensemble won a Juno Award, which is Canada's highest honor for music, for its recording of Handel's Dixit Dominus. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Juno Awards, including Best Classical Album and Best Classical Vocal or Choral Performance. In addition to its performances and recordings, Aradia Chorus is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble regularly performs for school groups and community organizations, and has developed educational programs that introduce young people to early music. Overall, Aradia Chorus is a highly respected ensemble in the world of early music. Its commitment to authenticity and excellence has earned it a loyal following and numerous accolades, and its performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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