Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

Les Masques is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002 by the Canadian harpsichordist Olivier Fortin. The ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque and early Classical music, and has gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic interpretations of these works. The founding of Les Masques was the result of Fortin's desire to create an ensemble that would explore the rich and varied repertoire of Baroque and early Classical music. Fortin, who had already established himself as a leading harpsichordist in Canada, assembled a group of musicians who shared his passion for this music, and Les Masques was born. The ensemble's name, Les Masques, is a reference to the masks worn by actors in Baroque theatre, and reflects the ensemble's commitment to bringing the music of this period to life in a vivid and engaging way. Over the years, Les Masques has featured a rotating cast of musicians, with Fortin serving as the ensemble's artistic director and harpsichordist. Other regular members of the ensemble have included violinists Chantal Rémillard and Grégoire Jeay, cellist Elinor Frey, and flutist Claire Guimond. One of the highlights of Les Masques' career was their performance at the 2006 Montreal Baroque Festival, where they presented a program of music by the French Baroque composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. The ensemble's dynamic and expressive playing was praised by critics, and the performance was hailed as a triumph. In addition to their performances in Canada, Les Masques has also toured extensively in Europe, where they have been warmly received by audiences and critics alike. The ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Europe, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Les Masques has also been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2008, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Prix Opus for Best Early Music Ensemble by the Conseil québécois de la musique. The following year, Les Masques was awarded the Prix Opus for Best Concert of the Year for their performance of music by the Italian Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi. In addition to their performances and awards, Les Masques has also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of music by the French Baroque composer François Couperin. The ensemble's recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and their ability to capture the spirit and energy of Baroque music. In conclusion, Les Masques is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of Baroque and early Classical music. Founded by Olivier Fortin in 2002, the ensemble has gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic interpretations of this music, and has been praised for its technical excellence and expressive playing. With a rotating cast of musicians and a commitment to bringing the music of the Baroque period to life in a vivid and engaging way, Les Masques has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in this field.

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