Ensemble L'Ornamento is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 2012 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and historical performance practices. The founding members of the ensemble were violinist and artistic director, Maria Keohane, harpsichordist, David Mayoral, and cellist, Imre Lachegyi. Maria Keohane, who is originally from Ireland, studied at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and has performed with many renowned ensembles such as the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century. David Mayoral, who is from Spain, studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and has performed with many ensembles such as La Petite Bande and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra. Imre Lachegyi, who is from Hungary, studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and has performed with many ensembles such as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music. The ensemble's name, L'Ornamento, is derived from the Italian word for ornamentation, which is a key element of Baroque music. The ensemble's mission is to bring the music of the Baroque era to life through historically informed performances that are faithful to the original intentions of the composers. Ensemble L'Ornamento has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe, including the Utrecht Early Music Festival, the Festival Oude Muziek in Bruges, and the Bach Festival in Leipzig. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned soloists, such as countertenor Andreas Scholl and soprano Carolyn Sampson. One of the highlights of Ensemble L'Ornamento's career was their performance of Bach's St. John Passion at the Utrecht Early Music Festival in 2016. The performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, and it received a standing ovation from the audience. The ensemble's recording of the St. John Passion was also highly acclaimed and received a Diapason d'Or award. Another notable performance by Ensemble L'Ornamento was their collaboration with the Dutch National Ballet in 2018. The ensemble performed music by Handel and Vivaldi for the ballet production of "Ode to the Master," which was choreographed by David Dawson. The production received rave reviews and was hailed as a triumph of collaboration between music and dance. Ensemble L'Ornamento has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Their recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor was awarded the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in 2019, and their recording of Handel's Messiah was awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording in 2020. In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble L'Ornamento is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have also collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring Baroque music to a wider audience. Ensemble L'Ornamento's dedication to historical performance practices and their commitment to bringing the music of the Baroque era to life has made them one of the most respected and sought-after ensembles in the world of early music. With their passion, talent, and dedication, they continue to inspire audiences and musicians alike with their performances and recordings.

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