Country

:

France

Genre

:

Choral

 

Ensemble Sagittarius is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1992 by the Spanish conductor and musicologist, Michel Laplénie. The ensemble is known for its innovative approach to early music, and its ability to bring new life to forgotten works from the medieval and Renaissance periods. The ensemble's name, Sagittarius, is derived from the Latin word for archer, and is a reference to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, which is associated with music and the arts. The name also reflects the ensemble's aim to hit the mark with its performances, and to bring the beauty and complexity of early music to a wider audience. Ensemble Sagittarius is made up of a core group of musicians, including Michel Laplénie on recorder and direction, and Anaïs Chen on harp and voice. The ensemble also collaborates with a range of guest musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, and dancers, to create unique and dynamic performances. One of the highlights of Ensemble Sagittarius's career was its performance at the Festival de Saintes in 1994. The festival, which takes place in the historic town of Saintes in southwestern France, is one of the most prestigious early music festivals in Europe. Ensemble Sagittarius's performance was widely praised for its energy, precision, and creativity, and helped to establish the ensemble as a leading force in the early music world. In addition to its live performances, Ensemble Sagittarius has also released a number of critically acclaimed recordings. These include "La Folia", a collection of works by the Spanish composer Antonio de Cabezón, and "La Danza", a selection of dance music from the medieval and Renaissance periods. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence, as well as their ability to capture the spirit and emotion of the music. Ensemble Sagittarius has received numerous awards and accolades throughout its career. In 1996, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or for its recording of "La Folia". The Diapason d'Or is one of the most prestigious awards in the classical music world, and is given to recordings that are deemed to be of exceptional quality. In addition to its musical achievements, Ensemble Sagittarius is also known for its commitment to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has worked with a range of educational institutions, including the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Salamanca in Spain. Overall, Ensemble Sagittarius is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of early music. With its commitment to excellence, creativity, and education, the ensemble is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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