Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Mary Springfels is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of early music. She was born on May 20, 1948, in Evanston, Illinois, and grew up in a family that valued music. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. Mary started playing the cello at the age of nine and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Mary's passion for music led her to pursue a degree in music at the University of Illinois. She then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received a master's degree in cello performance. During her time at Juilliard, Mary discovered her love for early music and began to explore the world of historical performance. In 1974, Mary co-founded the Newberry Consort, a Chicago-based early music ensemble that specializes in music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. Mary served as the artistic director and cellist of the Newberry Consort for over 30 years, during which time the ensemble released numerous recordings and performed at major venues and festivals around the world. In addition to her work with the Newberry Consort, Mary has collaborated with many other early music ensembles and artists. She has performed with the Boston Camerata, the Folger Consort, and the Harp Consort, among others. She has also taught at several universities and conservatories, including the University of Chicago, Indiana University, and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Mary's contributions to the world of early music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1990, she received the prestigious Early Music America Award for her contributions to the field. She was also awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Fellowship in 1991. In 2004, she was inducted into the Chicago Classical Music Hall of Fame. One of the highlights of Mary's career was her performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. She was invited to perform as part of the Cultural Olympiad, a series of events celebrating the arts and culture of the host city. Mary performed a program of early music on the cello, accompanied by lutenist Paul O'Dette and harpsichordist David Schrader. The performance was broadcast on national television and received widespread acclaim. Another notable performance by Mary was her collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2008. She was invited to perform as a soloist in a program of Baroque music, which included works by Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach. The performance was conducted by Nicholas Kraemer and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Mary's legacy in the world of early music is significant. She has inspired countless musicians and audiences with her virtuosic performances and innovative programming. Her contributions to the field have helped to establish early music as a respected and vibrant genre of classical music. Mary continues to perform and teach, and her passion for music shows no signs of slowing down.

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