Country

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United Kingdom

Genre

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Choral

 

Tonus Peregrinus is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing medieval and contemporary music. The ensemble was founded in 1990 by the English composer and conductor Antony Pitts, who remains its artistic director to this day. Over the years, Tonus Peregrinus has gained a reputation for its innovative and adventurous programming, as well as its virtuosic performances. The ensemble's name, Tonus Peregrinus, is Latin for "wandering tone," which reflects its interest in exploring the rich and varied traditions of Western music. The ensemble's repertoire spans from the earliest surviving notated music of the medieval period to contemporary works by living composers. Tonus Peregrinus is particularly known for its performances of sacred music, including Gregorian chant, polyphony, and contemporary sacred music. Tonus Peregrinus is made up of a core group of singers, who are joined by instrumentalists as needed for specific performances. The ensemble's core members are all highly trained musicians with extensive experience in early music performance. They include sopranos Rebecca Outram and Clare Wilkinson, altos Caroline Trevor and Matthew Vine, tenors Julian Podger and Andrew Mackenzie-Wicks, and basses Donald Greig and Robert Macdonald. One of the highlights of Tonus Peregrinus's career was its performance of the complete works of the medieval composer Pérotin at the 1995 Edinburgh Festival. Pérotin was a key figure in the development of polyphony in the 12th century, and his music is considered a masterpiece of medieval art. Tonus Peregrinus's performance of Pérotin's music was widely praised for its clarity, precision, and beauty. Another notable performance by Tonus Peregrinus was its collaboration with the composer Arvo Pärt on the recording of his St. John Passion in 2000. Pärt is one of the most important living composers of sacred music, and his St. John Passion is a powerful and deeply moving work. Tonus Peregrinus's performance of the piece was hailed as a triumph, and the recording won several awards, including a Grammy nomination. In addition to its performances of medieval and contemporary music, Tonus Peregrinus has also been involved in several educational and outreach projects. The ensemble has worked with schools and community groups to introduce young people to the joys of early music, and has also collaborated with other musicians and artists to create interdisciplinary performances that explore the connections between music, art, and literature. Over the years, Tonus Peregrinus has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In addition to the Grammy nomination for the St. John Passion recording, the ensemble has won several prestigious awards, including the Diapason d'Or, the Gramophone Award, and the Classical Brit Award. These awards are a testament to the ensemble's commitment to excellence and its dedication to bringing the beauty and power of early music to audiences around the world. In conclusion, Tonus Peregrinus is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of early music performance. Founded by Antony Pitts in 1990, the ensemble has gained a reputation for its innovative programming, virtuosic performances, and commitment to education and outreach.

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