Armonia Atenea is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1991 by the Greek conductor George Petrou. The ensemble is based in Athens, Greece, and is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music. The founding of Armonia Atenea was a result of Petrou's desire to create an ensemble that would focus on historically informed performances of Baroque and Classical music. Petrou had studied musicology and conducting in Athens and London, and had a deep interest in the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. The ensemble's name, Armonia Atenea, is a reference to the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, and the idea of harmony in music. The ensemble's mission is to bring the music of the Baroque and Classical periods to life through historically informed performances that are faithful to the original intentions of the composers. Armonia Atenea is made up of a core group of musicians who specialize in Baroque and Classical music. The ensemble's main members include violinists, cellists, harpsichordists, and other instrumentalists who are experts in their respective fields. Over the years, Armonia Atenea has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. The ensemble has been invited to perform at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms, among others. One of the highlights of Armonia Atenea's career was their performance of Handel's opera, Giulio Cesare, at the Glyndebourne Festival in 2005. The production was directed by David McVicar and featured a star-studded cast, including Danielle de Niese and Sarah Connolly. The performance was widely praised by critics and helped to establish Armonia Atenea as one of the leading Baroque ensembles in the world. In addition to their performances, Armonia Atenea has also received numerous awards and accolades for their recordings. The ensemble has recorded for major labels such as Decca and Sony Classical, and has won several awards for their recordings of Baroque and Classical music. One of the ensemble's most acclaimed recordings is their 2012 album, "Handel: Apollo e Dafne." The album features Handel's cantatas, Apollo e Dafne and Il Delirio Amoroso, and was praised by critics for its "sparkling performances" and "impeccable musicianship." Armonia Atenea's commitment to historically informed performances has also led to collaborations with leading scholars and musicologists. The ensemble has worked with scholars such as John Butt and Richard Taruskin to ensure that their performances are as faithful to the original intentions of the composers as possible. Overall, Armonia Atenea is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that is known for its historically informed performances of Baroque and Classical music. The ensemble's commitment to authenticity and impeccable musicianship has earned them a place among the world's leading Baroque ensembles, and their performances and recordings continue to be celebrated by critics and audiences alike.

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