Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

The Baltimore Consort is a classical music ensemble that specializes in early music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The group was founded in 1980 by five musicians who shared a passion for the music of the past and a desire to bring it to modern audiences. Over the years, the ensemble has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected and beloved early music groups in the world. The founding members of the Baltimore Consort were Mary Anne Ballard (viols and rebec), Mark Cudek (lute, cittern, and viol), Custer LaRue (soprano), Larry Lipkis (viols, recorder, and bassoon), and Ronn McFarlane (lute). Each member brought a unique set of skills and experiences to the group, and together they created a sound that was both authentic and innovative. From the beginning, the Baltimore Consort was committed to performing early music in a way that was historically informed. This meant using period instruments and playing techniques, as well as researching the original sources of the music to gain a deeper understanding of its context and meaning. The group's dedication to authenticity and scholarship has earned them a reputation as one of the most respected early music ensembles in the world. Over the years, the Baltimore Consort has released more than 20 albums, each showcasing a different aspect of early music. Their repertoire includes music from England, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, and the New World, as well as original compositions that draw on these traditions. The group's recordings have received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Grammy nomination for their album "Bright Day Star" in 1994. In addition to their recordings, the Baltimore Consort is known for their live performances, which are both entertaining and educational. The group has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Kennedy Center, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Smithsonian Institution. They have also collaborated with other artists and ensembles, including the Folger Consort, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, and the Newberry Consort. One of the highlights of the Baltimore Consort's career was their participation in the soundtrack for the 1991 film "The Silence of the Lambs." The group's haunting rendition of the Scottish ballad "The Flowers of the Forest" was used in a pivotal scene of the movie, and helped to introduce their music to a wider audience. Another notable performance by the Baltimore Consort was their collaboration with the Folger Consort on the production of "The Play of Daniel," a medieval drama that tells the story of the prophet Daniel. The production, which featured music, dance, and drama, was performed at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., and was praised for its authenticity and artistry. Throughout their career, the Baltimore Consort has received numerous awards and honors for their contributions to early music. In 2011, they were awarded the Early Music America Laurette for Lifetime Achievement, in recognition of their pioneering work in the field. They have also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the American Musicological Society, among others. Today, the Baltimore Consort continues to perform and record, bringing the music of the past to new generations of listeners.

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