Role

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Ensemble

Period

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Renaissance

 

 

Modern

 

The Julian Bream Consort is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1976 by the renowned British classical guitarist Julian Bream. The ensemble is known for its unique blend of early music and contemporary works, and has been praised for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming. Julian Bream, who was born in London in 1933, began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly established himself as one of the most talented guitarists of his generation. He made his debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1951, and went on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 1976, Bream founded the Julian Bream Consort, which was initially comprised of four members: Bream on guitar, John Holloway on violin, Martin Gatt on bassoon, and Nigel North on lute. The ensemble's repertoire focused on music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as contemporary works that were inspired by early music. Over the years, the Julian Bream Consort has undergone several personnel changes, but has remained committed to its mission of exploring the rich and diverse world of early music. Some of the ensemble's most notable members have included viola da gamba player Jordi Savall, harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood, and tenor Rogers Covey-Crump. The Julian Bream Consort has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Festival Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Lincoln Center in New York. The ensemble has also made numerous recordings, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of the Julian Bream Consort's most celebrated performances was its 1981 concert at the Wigmore Hall, which featured works by Dowland, Purcell, and Bach. The concert was praised for its virtuosic performances and innovative programming, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading early music groups of its time. In addition to its live performances, the Julian Bream Consort has also made numerous recordings, many of which have become classics of the early music repertoire. Some of the ensemble's most notable recordings include "Music for Viols," which features works by William Lawes and John Jenkins, and "The Art of Julian Bream," which showcases Bream's virtuosic guitar playing. Over the years, the Julian Bream Consort has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to the world of classical music. In 1985, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos," and in 1990, it received the Edison Award for its recording of Vivaldi's "Concerti per Liuto e Mandolino." Today, the Julian Bream Consort continues to be recognized as one of the leading ensembles in the world of early music. Although Bream himself retired from performing in 2002, the ensemble continues to perform and record under the direction of its current members, who are committed to carrying on Bream's legacy of excellence and innovation in the world of classical music.

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