Genre

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Choral

 

Cappella Nova is a Scottish classical music ensemble that specializes in performing early and contemporary music. The ensemble was founded in 1982 by Alan Tavener, a Scottish conductor and singer, who remains its artistic director to this day. Over the years, Cappella Nova has become one of the most respected and innovative vocal ensembles in the UK, known for its unique sound and adventurous programming. The ensemble's core members are a group of highly skilled and versatile singers, who are able to perform a wide range of music styles and genres. They include sopranos Rebecca Tavener and Sarah-Ann Cromwell, altos Joanna Forbes L'Estrange and Clare Wilkinson, tenors Tom Wilkinson and David Lee, and basses Andrew McTaggart and Andrew Carwood. In addition to the core members, Cappella Nova often collaborates with other musicians and ensembles, including instrumentalists, choirs, and orchestras. Cappella Nova's repertoire is diverse and eclectic, ranging from medieval chant and Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works by living composers. The ensemble is particularly known for its performances of Scottish and Gaelic music, which it has helped to revive and promote. Some of the ensemble's most notable recordings include "The Sound of the Scottish Renaissance" (1994), "The Wallace Collection" (1999), and "A Cappella Nova" (2002). Over the years, Cappella Nova has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the BBC Proms, and the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned conductors and composers, such as James MacMillan, John Tavener, and Arvo Pärt. One of Cappella Nova's most memorable performances was its 1999 concert at the Vatican, where it sang for Pope John Paul II. The ensemble performed a program of Scottish and English music, including works by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and James MacMillan. The concert was broadcast live on Italian television and was widely praised for its beauty and sensitivity. Cappella Nova has also won many awards and accolades over the years, including the Gramophone Award for Best Early Music Recording in 1994, the Scottish Arts Council Award for Excellence in 1997, and the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Best Choral Performance in 2002. The ensemble has also been featured on numerous radio and television programs, including BBC Radio 3's "In Tune" and "The Choir." In addition to its performances and recordings, Cappella Nova is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for singers and conductors, and it has developed a number of educational resources for schools and community groups. Cappella Nova also runs a successful apprenticeship program, which provides young singers with the opportunity to work and perform with the ensemble. In conclusion, Cappella Nova is a remarkable classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of early and contemporary music. With its unique sound, adventurous programming, and commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK's most innovative and inspiring vocal ensembles.

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