Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Musica Pacifica is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque and Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 1990 by Judith Linsenberg, a renowned recorder player, and has since become one of the most respected early music groups in the United States. The founding of Musica Pacifica was the result of Linsenberg's desire to create an ensemble that would explore the rich and diverse repertoire of early music. She assembled a group of talented musicians who shared her passion for this music, including violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock, cellist William Skeen, and harpsichordist Charles Sherman. Together, they began to perform concerts in the San Francisco Bay Area, quickly gaining a reputation for their virtuosic playing and innovative programming. Over the years, Musica Pacifica has undergone some changes in its membership, but the core group of Linsenberg, Blumenstock, Skeen, and Sherman has remained intact. They have been joined by other outstanding musicians, including violinist Ingrid Matthews, viola da gamba player Joanna Blendulf, and percussionist Peter Maund. One of the hallmarks of Musica Pacifica's performances is their commitment to historical accuracy. The ensemble uses period instruments and plays music in the style and manner that it would have been performed in the Baroque and Renaissance eras. This attention to detail has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following among early music enthusiasts. Musica Pacifica has performed at many of the most prestigious early music festivals and concert series in the United States, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Seattle Early Music Guild. They have also toured extensively in Europe, performing in such venues as the Utrecht Early Music Festival in the Netherlands and the Tage Alter Musik festival in Regensburg, Germany. One of the highlights of Musica Pacifica's career was their performance at the 2009 Berkeley Early Music Festival, where they presented a program of music by the Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. The ensemble's virtuosic playing and lively interpretation of Vivaldi's music earned them a standing ovation from the audience and rave reviews from critics. Musica Pacifica has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received numerous awards and critical acclaim. Their 2004 album, "La Folia: Folias & Follies," was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by The New York Times, and their 2011 album, "Johann Sebastian Bach: Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord," was nominated for a Grammy Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, Musica Pacifica is committed to education and outreach. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses for students and amateur musicians, and have worked with schools and community organizations to bring early music to a wider audience. In conclusion, Musica Pacifica is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and appreciation of early music. Their commitment to historical accuracy, virtuosic playing, and innovative programming has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following among early music enthusiasts. With their continued dedication to excellence and education, Musica Pacifica is sure to remain a leading force in the world of early music for years to come.

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