Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Ars Antiqua Austria is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The ensemble was founded in 1994 by Gunar Letzbor, a violinist and conductor from Austria. Letzbor had previously played with several other early music ensembles, including Musica Antiqua Köln and Concentus Musicus Wien, before deciding to form his own group. The founding members of Ars Antiqua Austria were all experienced musicians who shared Letzbor's passion for early music. The ensemble's core members included Letzbor on violin, Maria Ladurner on harpsichord, and Werner Matzke on viola da gamba. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include a rotating cast of musicians who specialize in playing period instruments. Ars Antiqua Austria quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality performances of early music. They have performed at major music festivals throughout Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music, and the Utrecht Early Music Festival. They have also toured extensively in Asia and North America. One of the highlights of Ars Antiqua Austria's career was their performance at the 2006 Salzburg Festival. They were invited to perform a program of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, which included several of his cantatas and instrumental works. The performance was widely praised by critics and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading early music groups in Europe. In addition to their live performances, Ars Antiqua Austria has also recorded several albums of early music. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. One of the ensemble's most successful recordings was their 2009 album "Biber: The Mystery Sonatas." The album featured Letzbor performing Biber's famous cycle of violin sonatas, which are known for their complex and virtuosic writing. The album was praised for its technical precision and emotional depth, and it helped to establish Letzbor as one of the leading interpreters of Biber's music. Another notable performance by Ars Antiqua Austria was their 2014 concert at the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music. The ensemble performed a program of music by Antonio Vivaldi, which included several of his concertos and chamber works. The performance was praised for its energy and vitality, and it helped to showcase the ensemble's versatility and range. Over the years, Ars Antiqua Austria has won several awards and honors for their contributions to early music. In 2002, they were awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik award for their recording of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "Mystery Sonatas." They have also been nominated for several other awards, including the Gramophone Award and the International Classical Music Award. In conclusion, Ars Antiqua Austria is a highly respected ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of early music. Their performances and recordings have been praised for their technical precision, emotional depth, and musicality. The ensemble's founder, Gunar Letzbor, has established himself as one of the leading interpreters of early music, and the ensemble's core members and rotating cast of musicians have helped to create a unique and dynamic sound.

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