Period

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Renaissance

 

Theatre of the Ayre is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the 17th and 18th centuries. The ensemble was founded in 2006 by the English tenor and conductor, Elizabeth Kenny, who is also the artistic director of the group. The ensemble comprises some of the most talented and accomplished musicians in the field of early music, including singers, instrumentalists, and composers. The founding of Theatre of the Ayre was inspired by Elizabeth Kenny's passion for early music and her desire to create a platform for musicians to explore and perform this repertoire. The ensemble's name is derived from the title of a collection of songs by the English composer, John Dowland, which was published in 1606. The name reflects the ensemble's commitment to performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods with authenticity and passion. The main members of Theatre of the Ayre include Elizabeth Kenny, who plays the lute and directs the ensemble, and a group of talented singers and instrumentalists. The ensemble's core members include sopranos Sophie Daneman and Rachel Redmond, mezzo-soprano Clare Wilkinson, tenor Nicholas Mulroy, and bass-baritone Matthew Brook. The ensemble also collaborates with a range of guest musicians, including instrumentalists and composers, to create unique and innovative performances. Theatre of the Ayre has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Boston Early Music Festival. The ensemble has also recorded several critically acclaimed albums, including "The Masque of Moments," which was released in 2016 and features music by Henry Purcell and his contemporaries. One of the highlights of Theatre of the Ayre's career was their performance of Purcell's "The Fairy Queen" at the 2012 Edinburgh International Festival. The production was directed by Tim Supple and featured a cast of talented singers and dancers. The performance was widely praised for its innovative staging and the ensemble's virtuosic playing. Theatre of the Ayre has also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2011, the ensemble won the prestigious Gramophone Award for their recording of Purcell's "O Solitude." The ensemble has also been nominated for several other awards, including the BBC Music Magazine Award and the International Classical Music Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, Theatre of the Ayre is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians and has worked with a range of educational institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Juilliard School in New York. Overall, Theatre of the Ayre is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the field of early music. Their commitment to authenticity, innovation, and excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the field. With their passion for early music and their dedication to education and outreach, Theatre of the Ayre is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world for many years to come.

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