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Ensemble

 

FestspielOrchester Göttingen is a classical music ensemble based in the city of Göttingen, Germany. The orchestra was founded in 2006 by Laurence Cummings, a renowned conductor and harpsichordist, with the aim of reviving the music of George Frideric Handel and other Baroque composers. The birth of FestspielOrchester Göttingen can be traced back to the Göttingen International Handel Festival, which has been held annually since 1920. The festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious events dedicated to the music of Handel, and has attracted many famous musicians and conductors over the years. In 2006, Laurence Cummings was invited to conduct a performance of Handel's opera "Ariodante" at the festival, and he decided to assemble a group of musicians to form a new orchestra for the occasion. The first performance of FestspielOrchester Göttingen was a resounding success, and the ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances of Baroque music. The orchestra consists of around 30 musicians, many of whom are specialists in historical performance practice and play on period instruments. The ensemble's repertoire focuses mainly on the music of Handel, but also includes works by other Baroque composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, and Purcell. One of the highlights of FestspielOrchester Göttingen's early years was its performance of Handel's oratorio "Messiah" in 2009. The concert, which was held in the historic St. Jacobi Church in Göttingen, was praised by critics for its "clarity, precision, and emotional depth". The orchestra has since performed "Messiah" several times, including a highly acclaimed performance at the BBC Proms in 2014. Another notable performance by FestspielOrchester Göttingen was its production of Handel's opera "Almira" in 2013. The production, which was directed by the renowned German director Axel Köhler, was praised for its "vibrant and engaging" staging and "excellent musical performances". The opera was also recorded and released on CD by the German label Accent. In addition to its performances at the Göttingen International Handel Festival, FestspielOrchester Göttingen has also appeared at other major music festivals and venues around the world. The orchestra has performed at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Halle Handel Festival, and the London Handel Festival, among others. It has also collaborated with many famous soloists, including mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg, countertenor Andreas Scholl, and soprano Sandrine Piau. FestspielOrchester Göttingen has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2010, the orchestra was awarded the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Handel's "Ariodante" with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato. The ensemble has also been praised by critics for its recordings of Handel's "Rinaldo" and "Tamerlano", as well as its recent recording of Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos". Overall, FestspielOrchester Göttingen has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the field of Baroque music. Its commitment to historical performance practice and its high standards of musicianship have earned it a loyal following among audiences and critics alike. With Laurence Cummings at the helm, the orchestra looks set to continue its success in the years to come.

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