Country

:

France

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Gilles Binchois is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in medieval and Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 1979 by Dominique Vellard, a French tenor and musicologist, who named it after Gilles Binchois, a 15th-century composer and singer from Burgundy, France. The ensemble's main members include Dominique Vellard, who serves as the artistic director and tenor, along with Anne-Marie Lablaude (soprano), Brigitte Lesne (mezzo-soprano), Emmanuel Bonnardot (tenor), and Willem de Waal (baritone). Over the years, the ensemble has collaborated with various guest musicians and vocalists, depending on the repertoire and performance requirements. Ensemble Gilles Binchois has gained international recognition for its authentic and historically informed performances of medieval and Renaissance music. The ensemble's repertoire includes sacred and secular music from the 12th to the 16th centuries, with a particular focus on the French and Burgundian schools of polyphony. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was its performance at the Festival d'Avignon in 1983, where they presented a program of music by Guillaume de Machaut, a 14th-century French composer and poet. The performance was widely acclaimed and helped establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of medieval music. Ensemble Gilles Binchois has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim and awards. In 1996, the ensemble won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award for their recording of the music of Johannes Ciconia, a 14th-century composer from Italy. Other notable recordings include their interpretations of the music of Guillaume Dufay, Josquin des Prez, and Antoine Busnoys. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble Gilles Binchois has also been involved in various educational and outreach programs. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students and musicians, and has collaborated with museums and cultural institutions to present concerts and lectures on medieval and Renaissance music. Overall, Ensemble Gilles Binchois has made a significant contribution to the revival and appreciation of medieval and Renaissance music. Through their authentic and passionate performances, the ensemble has brought to life the rich and diverse musical traditions of the past, and has inspired new generations of musicians and music lovers.

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