Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Lux Musica is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of medieval and Renaissance music since their inception in 1996. The group was founded by two musicians, Susan Hellauer and Jacqueline Horner-Kwiatek, who shared a passion for early music and a desire to bring it to a wider audience. Susan Hellauer, a soprano, had previously been a member of the renowned vocal ensemble Anonymous 4, while Jacqueline Horner-Kwiatek, a mezzo-soprano, had performed with the New York City Opera and the Waverly Consort. Together, they formed Lux Musica with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of medieval and Renaissance music and bringing it to life for modern audiences. The group's name, Lux Musica, is Latin for "light of music," and reflects their commitment to illuminating the beauty and complexity of early music. Their repertoire includes music from the 12th to the 16th centuries, with a particular focus on sacred music and vocal polyphony. One of the highlights of Lux Musica's early career was their performance at the 1998 Boston Early Music Festival, where they received critical acclaim for their interpretation of medieval and Renaissance music. This performance helped to establish the group as one of the leading ensembles in the early music scene, and they went on to perform at major festivals and venues across the United States and Europe. In 2000, Lux Musica released their debut album, "Music of the Gothic Era," which featured music from the 13th and 14th centuries. The album received widespread praise for its sensitive and nuanced performances, and helped to establish the group as a major force in the early music recording industry. Over the years, Lux Musica has continued to push the boundaries of early music performance, experimenting with new arrangements and interpretations of classic works. They have collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, including the New York Polyphony and the Folger Consort, and have performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. In 2012, Lux Musica released their most ambitious album to date, "The Lion and the Rose: Music from the Court of Richard the Lionheart." The album featured music from the 12th and 13th centuries, and was inspired by the life and times of the legendary English king. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the group's innovative approach to early music performance. In addition to their recordings and performances, Lux Musica has also been recognized for their contributions to the early music community. In 2007, they received the Noah Greenberg Award from the American Musicological Society, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the performance of early music. Today, Lux Musica continues to be one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the early music scene. Their commitment to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of medieval and Renaissance music, and their dedication to bringing it to life for modern audiences, has earned them a devoted following and a well-deserved place in the pantheon of classical music greats.

More....