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Ensemble

 

The Irish Baroque Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque period. The ensemble was founded in 1996 by Monica Huggett, a renowned Baroque violinist, and a group of Irish musicians who shared her passion for this style of music. Huggett had previously founded the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and had gained a reputation as one of the leading Baroque violinists of her generation. She was drawn to Ireland by the country's rich musical heritage and saw an opportunity to create a new ensemble that would bring the music of the Baroque period to Irish audiences. The Irish Baroque Orchestra's founding members included some of Ireland's most talented musicians, including harpsichordist Malcolm Proud, cellist Sarah McMahon, and flutist Eimear McGeown. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and its commitment to promoting the music of Irish composers from the Baroque period. One of the highlights of the Irish Baroque Orchestra's early years was its performance at the 1997 Galway Early Music Festival. The ensemble's performance of Handel's "Water Music" was widely praised and helped to establish the group as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in Ireland. Over the years, the Irish Baroque Orchestra has performed at many of the world's leading music festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the BBC Proms, and the Boston Early Music Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians, including mezzo-soprano Ann Murray, tenor Mark Padmore, and conductor Nicholas McGegan. One of the Irish Baroque Orchestra's most notable collaborations was with the Irish poet Seamus Heaney. In 2006, the ensemble premiered a new work by Heaney called "The Burial at Thebes," which was based on Sophocles' play "Antigone." The performance was a huge success and was later released as a CD. The Irish Baroque Orchestra has also been recognized for its contributions to the world of classical music. In 2005, the ensemble was awarded the National Concert Hall's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to Irish music. The following year, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Handel's "Messiah." Today, the Irish Baroque Orchestra continues to be one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the world. The ensemble's current members include some of Ireland's most talented musicians, including violinist Claire Duff, cellist Aoife Nic Athlaoich, and harpsichordist Malcolm Proud. The Irish Baroque Orchestra's repertoire includes music from the Baroque period as well as works by Irish composers from the same era. The ensemble's performances are known for their energy, passion, and technical excellence, and the group continues to attract audiences from around the world. In conclusion, the Irish Baroque Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of Baroque music. Founded in 1996 by Monica Huggett and a group of Irish musicians, the ensemble has gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and its commitment to promoting the music of Irish composers from the Baroque period. Over the years, the Irish Baroque Orchestra has performed at many of the world's leading music festivals and has collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians.

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