Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Seattle Baroque Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque era. The ensemble was founded in 1994 by violinist Ingrid Matthews and harpsichordist Byron Schenkman, who were both graduates of the Juilliard School in New York City. Matthews and Schenkman were inspired to start the Seattle Baroque Orchestra after attending a concert by the Academy of Ancient Music in London. They were struck by the energy and passion of the musicians, and they wanted to bring that same level of excitement to Seattle. The ensemble's early years were marked by a series of successful concerts and collaborations with other musicians and organizations in the Seattle area. In 1996, the Seattle Baroque Orchestra performed at the Boston Early Music Festival, which helped to raise the ensemble's profile and attract new audiences. Over the years, the Seattle Baroque Orchestra has become known for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. The ensemble has performed works by a wide range of composers, including Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann. One of the highlights of the Seattle Baroque Orchestra's career was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 2000. The concert was a collaboration with the Seattle Symphony and featured a cast of more than 200 musicians and singers. The performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and musical precision. In addition to its performances, the Seattle Baroque Orchestra has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble's 2004 recording of Handel's Water Music was nominated for a Grammy Award, and its 2006 recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. The Seattle Baroque Orchestra has undergone some changes in its membership over the years, but it has always maintained a high level of musical excellence. Some of the ensemble's current members include violinist Tekla Cunningham, cellist Caroline Nicolas, and harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky. Today, the Seattle Baroque Orchestra continues to perform regularly in the Seattle area and beyond. The ensemble's concerts are known for their energy, passion, and commitment to bringing the music of the Baroque era to life for modern audiences.

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