Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Barcelona Consort is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002 in Barcelona, Spain. The group is known for its unique blend of early music and traditional Spanish music, which has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following. The founding members of Barcelona Consort were Jordi Savall, Montserrat Figueras, and Pedro Estevan. Savall is a renowned viola da gamba player and conductor, while Figueras was a soprano and expert in early music. Estevan is a percussionist who specializes in traditional Spanish music. Together, they formed Barcelona Consort with the goal of exploring the rich musical heritage of Spain and bringing it to a wider audience. One of the highlights of Barcelona Consort's early career was their performance at the 2003 Festival de Música Antigua de Barcelona. The group's unique blend of early music and traditional Spanish music was a hit with audiences and critics alike, and they quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the classical music world. Over the years, Barcelona Consort has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Lincoln Center in New York. They have also collaborated with some of the biggest names in classical music, including Plácido Domingo, Cecilia Bartoli, and Yo-Yo Ma. One of the group's most memorable performances was their 2007 concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona. The concert was a celebration of the music of the Spanish Renaissance, and featured works by composers such as Tomás Luis de Victoria and Francisco Guerrero. The concert was a huge success, and cemented Barcelona Consort's reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of early Spanish music. In addition to their live performances, Barcelona Consort has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their 2004 album "La Folia" was a particular highlight, featuring a collection of traditional Spanish music and early music from around Europe. The album was praised for its innovative arrangements and virtuosic performances, and helped to establish Barcelona Consort as one of the most exciting and dynamic ensembles in the classical music world. Over the years, Barcelona Consort has received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 2005, they were awarded the National Music Prize by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, in recognition of their contributions to the country's musical heritage. They have also been awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award, and have been nominated for several Latin Grammy Awards. Despite the passing of Montserrat Figueras in 2011, Barcelona Consort has continued to thrive and evolve. Today, the group is led by Jordi Savall, who is joined by a talented group of musicians from around the world. Their performances continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of early music and traditional Spanish music, and they remain one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the classical music world.

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