Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Germany

 

Fiori Musicali is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque and Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 1983 by Penelope Rapson, a harpsichordist and musicologist, and her husband, the late David Roblou, a harpsichordist and organist. The ensemble is based in Northamptonshire, England, and has gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and recordings. The ensemble's name, Fiori Musicali, means "musical flowers" in Italian, and reflects the group's commitment to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of early music. The ensemble's core members include Penelope Rapson on harpsichord, David Roblou on organ and harpsichord, and the late Richard Gwilt on violin. Over the years, the ensemble has also collaborated with a number of other musicians, including sopranos Emma Kirkby and Catherine Bott, and cellist Richard Tunnicliffe. Fiori Musicali has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Utrecht Early Music Festival. The ensemble has also made several recordings, including a highly acclaimed series of CDs for the ASV label, which features music by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. One of the highlights of Fiori Musicali's career was their performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at St. John's Smith Square in London in 1995. The performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and musicality, and was described by The Times as "a deeply moving and memorable experience." The ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Gramophone Award for their recording of Handel's Messiah. In addition to their performances and recordings, Fiori Musicali is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has worked with schools and community groups to promote the appreciation of early music. Despite the passing of David Roblou in 2011, Fiori Musicali continues to perform and record under the leadership of Penelope Rapson. The ensemble remains dedicated to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of early music, and to sharing their passion for this music with audiences around the world.

More....