Country

:

Ireland

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The King's Consort is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over three decades. Founded in 1980 by the English conductor and harpsichordist Robert King, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and admired groups in the world of early music. Robert King, who was born in 1960, studied music at the University of Oxford and the Royal College of Music in London. He was inspired by the music of the Baroque period and decided to form an ensemble that would specialize in performing music from this era. The King's Consort was thus born, with King as its artistic director and conductor. The ensemble's name is a reference to the English monarchs who ruled during the Baroque period, particularly King Charles II, who was a great patron of the arts. The King's Consort's repertoire includes music from the 16th to the 18th centuries, with a particular focus on the works of composers such as Handel, Bach, and Purcell. Over the years, The King's Consort has attracted some of the finest musicians in the world of early music. The ensemble's core members include Robert King himself, who plays the harpsichord and conducts the group, and his wife, the soprano Carolyn Sampson. Other notable members include the tenor James Gilchrist, the countertenor Robin Blaze, and the violinist Catherine Mackintosh. The King's Consort has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals around the world. The ensemble has made numerous recordings, many of which have won critical acclaim and awards. In 1992, The King's Consort won the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording for their album "O Solitude," which featured the music of Henry Purcell. One of the highlights of The King's Consort's career was their performance at the BBC Proms in 1995. The ensemble performed Handel's "Water Music" on a barge on the River Thames, recreating the original performance that took place in 1717 for King George I. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was a huge success, cementing The King's Consort's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the world of early music. Another notable performance by The King's Consort was their 2009 concert at the Wigmore Hall in London, which featured the music of Bach. The ensemble performed Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos" and "Orchestral Suites," showcasing their virtuosity and musicality. The concert was highly praised by critics and audiences alike, with The Guardian describing it as "a thrilling and uplifting experience." In addition to their performances and recordings, The King's Consort is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble has worked with schools and community groups to introduce young people to the joys of early music, and has also given masterclasses and workshops for aspiring musicians. In recognition of their contributions to the world of early music, The King's Consort has received numerous awards and honors. In 2011, Robert King was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music, and in 2014, The King's Consort was awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording for their album "Handel: Messiah." Today, The King's Consort continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world with their exceptional performances and recordings.

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