Orpheus Britannicus has established itself as one of the most dynamic period-instrument ensembles to have emerged in recent years. Founded by Andrew Arthur in 2002 and based in London, the group has enjoyed great success, building a reputation in particular for its expressive and emotional approach to the rich vocal chamber repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries. Its players and singers are drawn from some of the UK's leading performers in their field and the ensemble has recently taken up position as 'Ensemble in Residence' at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where in addition to its public concert performances, it offers unique opportunties to advanced students to engage with the musicians in the context of open rehearsals, masterclasses and private lessons.
Recent performances have included Handel’s newly discovered Gloria for Soprano and strings, a programme of seventeenth-century English verse anthems, J.S.Bach’s Cantatas BWV 4, 35, 51, 54, 56, 82, 82a, 169, 170, 202, 203, 209 & 210, Zelenka's Lamentations, Buxtehude’s cantata cycle Membra Jesu nostri and numerous solo songs, dialogues and odes by Henry Purcell and John Blow. Ongoing commitments include the performance of J.S. Bach’s complete cantatas for solo voice.
Orpheus Britannicus also regularly assumes orchestral proportions, and has enjoyed some fine collaborations with the London-based Chandos Chamber Choir. Recent performances in this guise have included J.S. Bach's Johannes Passion, Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Messiah and verse anthems and Welcome Odes by Henry Purcell. Future engagements include J.S. Bach’s Messe in H-moll and 'Lutheran' Missae.
The name Orpheus Britannicus is taken from the title of Henry Purcell’s two great volumes of songs, published by Henry Playford in 1698 and 1702 respectively.
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