Early Music Instrumental Ensembles

Instrumental

(local and regional)

Amadeus Consort

The Amadeus Consort, also known as the Chicago String Consort, performs concerts of Baroque music at Institute of Christ The King and other venues.

For more info: call 847-328-7831; e-mail John @ AmadeusConsort.com; or visit this site.

2012-2013 season Amadeus Consort early music performance(s) on: 12/13/2012..., 12/23/2012.

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Ars Antigua, directed by Jerry Fuller, presents concerts of chamber music performed on period instruments. Performances by Ars Antigua are known for technical excellence, emotional impact and historical scholarship. In addition, Ars Antigua tours, and also collaborates with Midwest Young Artists in educational and outreach programs, raising the visibility and knowledge of early music and period performance practice among talented high school students throughout the midwest.

For more info: call 312-415-2391.

2012-2013 season Ars Antigua early music performance(s) on: 9/13/2012, 11/9/2012..., 11/11/2012, 4/7/2013.

Photos of Ars Antigua here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, and here.

Recordings of Ars Antigua here.

Listen to monthly podcasts of Ars Antigua available at this site.

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Bach and Beethoven Ensemble

The BBE is a period ensemble dedicated to presenting music of the 17th century to the current day on historically-appropriate instruments, creating exciting and insightful performances that have a special resonance for contemporary audiences.

For more info: e-mail bbe @ bachandbeethoven.org; visit this site.

2012-2013 season Bach and Beethoven Ensemble early music performance(s) on: 9/18/2012, 5/16/2013.

Photos of the Bach and Beethoven Ensemble here.

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Bach Week Festival Orchestra

The orchestra of the Bach Week Festival in Evanston, Richard Webster, Director.

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Baroque Band

The Baroque Band specialize in performing music from the 17th and 18th centuries on instruments appropriate to the period. As both a chamber ensemble and a larger baroque orchestra, they offer great versatility and variety. Under the artistic direction of British baroque violinist Garry Clarke, the Baroque Band brings together some of the finest period instrument specialists in the US presenting exciting and top quality programs of the highest standard. Baroque Band is resident ensemble of WFMT Radio.

2012-2013 season Baroque Band early music performance(s) on: 10/19/2012..., 1/16/2013..., 3/8/2013..., 6/7/2013....

2011-2012 season Baroque Band early music broadcast(s) on: 2/6/2012.

Photos of the Baroque Band here, here, here, here.

Recordings of Baroque Band here.

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CCPA Collegium

The CCPA Collegium is a student performing group of the Roosevelt University Chicago College of the Performing Arts.

2012-2013 season CCPA Collegium early music performance(s) on: 10/4/2012, 2/14/2013.

DePaul University Baroque Ensemble

The Ensemble is a student performing group of the Depaul University School of Music.

2012-2013 season DePaul University Baroque Ensemble early music performance(s) on: 11/9/2012, 2/26/2013.

Duneland Early Music Consort

For more info: call Kristin Sturgeon, 219-762-5567 (Indiana).

Duo fantaisie en Echo

Duo fantaisie en Echo is a viola da gamba duo featuring Rachel Cama and Phillip Serna. The Duo derives its name from Pièces a deux violes du premier livre (1686) by French gambist Marin Marais.

For more info: Visit this site.

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Duo Marini

Duo Marini was formed in 1997 by Baroque violinist Patricia Ahern and harpsichordist Yonit Kosovske. Duo Marini is a period-instrument group that uses historically informed performance practice and authentic instruments to recreate Baroque music in the way it was probably heard in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their first CD, "La Desperata", was released in 2001 and has subsequently been featured on NPR's Harmonia.

For more info: write Patricia Ahern, 639D Bayberry Pointe Drive, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544; call 616-791-4985; or e-mail patriciaahern @ alumni.indiana.edu.

L'Ensemble Portique

Founder and Artistic Director Lisette Kielson leads L'Ensemble Portique in performances of early and contemporary chamber music, including rarely heard compositions, and commissioned pieces written specifically for L'Ensemble Portique. The programming, use of period instruments from the Baroque era, and lively anecdotes during the performance highlighting the instrumentation and historical perspectives set this ensemble apart from other musical groups.

For more info: write L'Ensemble Portique, 22 N. Franklin Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703; call 608-287-1006; or e-mail lkielson @ lensembleportique.com.

2012-2013 season L'Ensemble Portique early music performance(s) on: 9/7/2013

Photos of L'Ensemble Portique here.

Recordings of L'Ensemble Portique here.

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Ensemble Voltaire

Ensemble Voltaire presents engaging concerts of Baroque chamber music. At ease with today's audiences, Ensemble Voltaire brings the Baroque period to life with story and even humor, subtly surrounding the listener with the cultural context from which the music emerges. Ensemble Voltaire, which began performing as Ensemble Ouabache in 1988, is ensemble-in-residence at Trinity Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, where it presents three annual concerts on the "Music at Trinity" series.

For more info: e-mail info @ ensemblevoltaire.com; or visit this site.

2011-2012 season Ensemble Voltaire early music performance(s) on: 9/23/2011..., 3/30/2012..., 5/19/2012.

Photos of Ensemble Voltaire here.

Recordings of Ensemble Voltaire here.

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Galena Recorder Consort

For more info: call Glenn S. Harman, 815-777-1536 (Illinois).

Harmonie

Harmonie is a Canadian/American period-instrument ensemble dedicated to the performance of primarily Dutch Early Music. Harmonie programs challenging works that demonstrate the emotional depth and technical virtuosity of the literature.

For more info: Visit this site.

Home Street Recorder Ensemble

Since 1990, the Home Street Recorder Ensemble has been delighting Chicago area listeners with their performances of recorder ensemble music, both old and new. Known for their fine musicianship, broad versatility and impressive collection of seven sizes of recorders and other historical instruments, the Home Street Recorder Ensemble draw from a large repertoire of instrumental music from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Modern periods.

For more info: call 708-383-1497; or e-mail homestreetrecorder @ comcast.net.

Photos of the Home Street Recorder Ensemble here, here.

Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra

The Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra is an ensemble of professional musicians which performs music of the Baroque and early Classical eras on period, or reproduction instruments. With a membership which already represents a broad sampling of the rich musical life of Indianapolis, the orchestra seeks to enrich, educate, and ultimately to "delight the senses" of the entire central Indiana community by specifically promoting the use of period instruments.

For more info: write Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, P.O. Box 30493, Indianapolis, Indiana 46230-0493; call Dr. Lisa Brooks, Managing Director, 317-872-1077; or e-mail lbrooks @ butler.edu.

2011-2012 season Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra early music performance(s) on: 10/7/2011....

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Ensemble Musical Offering

Milwaukee Baroque

Milwaukee Baroque is a project of Musical Offering, Ltd. (formerly known as Ensemble Musical Offering). Under the guidance of Artistic Director Joan Parsley, for over 19 years Musical Offering/Milwaukee Baroque has been a leading producer of early music in the Midwest. The group has received critical acclaim and become the recipient of national education awards.

For more info: e-mail musical.offering @ yahoo.com.

2012-2013 season Ensemble Musical Offering early music performance(s) on: 9/22/2012, 10/20/2012, 12/8/2012, 3/9/2013, 5/11/2013.

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Milwaukee Renaissance Band

The commitment of the Milwaukee Renaissance Band is to provide audiences with entertaining and educational concerts that bring to life the music of some of the most respected composers of the Renaissance. The Band performs on all members of the shawm, bombard and dulcian family, along with our brass counterparts, the cornetto and sackbut.

For more info: Visit this site.

2011-2012 season Milwaukee Renaissance Band early music performance(s) on: 12/4/2011, 4/29/2012.

Photos of the Milwaukee Renaissance Band here.

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MYA Early Music Ensemble

The MYA Early Music Ensemble, Jerry Fuller, Director, is a young persons' period instrument orchestra sponsored by Midwest Young Artists and Ars Antigua.

2011-2012 season MYA Early Music Ensemble early music performance(s) on: 11/13/2011,

Photos of the MYA Early Music Ensemble here.

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New Comma Baroque

Dedicated to re-engaging modern audiences in historically informed performance, the Chicago-based ensemble New Comma Baroque features Matthew Cataldi, Baroque Violin; Phillip Serna, viola da gamba; Emily Morlan, historical keyboards; and a variety of other collaborators celebrating cultural diversity through our rich musical heritage in the concert hall and beyond. Advocating a strong sense of cultural context as well as community and educational outreach, New Comma Baroque works in close conjunction with, among other programs, Illinois' first period-instrument public school Baroque orchestra at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

For more info: Visit this site.

2012-2013 season New Comma Baroque early music performance(s) on: 9/8/2012..., 2/7/2013, 3/15/2013, 5/16/2013, 5/31/2013, 6/1/2013....

Photos of New Comma Baroque here.

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Oak Park Recorder Society

The OPRS plays a varied recorder repertoire (with occasional crumhorn, viol, percussion, and vocal accompaniment) at church services and other events throughout the Chicago area. Despite the group's name, it attracts players from the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

For more info: call Nancy Chabala at 708-442-6053.

Photos of the Oak Park Recorder Society here, here.

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Quincy Early Music Consort

For more info: write the Quincy Early Music Consort, c/o Mecki Kosin, 5833 Ellington Road, Quincy, IL 62305; call 217-223-1791 (home) or 800-747-0521 (work); e-mail mecki @ travelhouseofquincy.com.

2012-2013 season Quincy Early Music Consort early music workshop(s) on: 4/5/2013....

Ridgeway Consort

Photos of The Ridgeway Consort here and here.

Rook

Rook is an early music ensemble dedicated to the music of the Renaissance and Early Baroque. Rook explores this music with an unusual combination of wind, brass and string instruments that, while popular 400 years ago, creates colors that are missing from modern music making. The core ensemble is comprised of accomplished musicians from Chicago's new generation of period style performers and collaborates regularly with vocalists and other instrumentalists to present this exciting music to modern audiences.

For more info: visit this site.

2012-2013 season Rook early music performance(s) on: 8/3/2012, 9/7/2012..., 10/12/2012, 3/3/2013.

Saint Cecilia Consort

Photos of the Saint Cecilia Consort here, here.

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Spirit of Gambo

(photo by Jonnie Maunder)
The Spirit of Gambo viol consort consists of Phillip W. Serna, Ken Perlow, Russell Wagner, and other members as the repertoire requires.

For more info: call 847-722-2093; or e-mail info @ spiritofgambo.org.

2012-2013 season Spirit of Gambo early music performance(s) on: 9/6/2012, 10/26/2012.

Photos of the Spirit of Gambo here, here, here, here.

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Stevenson High School Baroque Ensemble

The Stevenson High School Baroque Ensemble, Enrique Vilaseco, Director, is a unique performance ensemble that focuses on performance practices of the baroque and classical periods. All instruments are period instruments. Students perform for regular school functions, community events, IHSA solo & ensemble contest, etc.

For more info: Visit this site.

2012-2013 season Stevenson High School Baroque Ensemble early music performance(s) on: 5/16/2013.

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Trio Settecento

Presenting music primarily of the Seventeenth Century in historically informed performances, Trio Settecento features David Schrader, harpsichord, Rachel Barton Pine, violin, and John Mark Rozendaal, cello.

2012-2013 season Trio Settecento early music performance(s) on: 11/27/2012.

Photos of Trio Settecento here and here.

Recordings of Trio Settecento here.

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Wayward Sisters

(photo by Nelson Fitch)
Wayward Sisters is an exciting new ensemble specializing in music of the 17th century. Combining innovative programming with fiery execution, Wayward Sisters shares the passion and turbulence of the early Baroque with modern listeners. Winner of the EMA/Naxos Recording Competition for 2011.

For more info: e-mail annasteinhoff @ hotmail.com; or write: Wayward Sisters, c/o Anna Steinhoff, 3013 W. Eastwood Avenue Apt. 2, Chicago, IL 60625.

2013-2014 season Wayward Sisters early music performance(s) on: 7/12/2013.

Photos of Wayward Sisters here.

Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble

The Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble is dedicated to bringing the spirit and intimacy of 17th and 18th century chamber music to today's audiences. Playing on period instruments from original notation, the musicians explore the sound and character of this vast repertoire, often bringing to light lesser known compositions and composers.

For more info: e-mail info @ wisconsinbaroque.org.

2012-2013 season Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble early music performance(s) on: 10/12/2012..., 11/23/2012..., 2/8/2013..., 4/12/2013....

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Early Music CDs