Ensemble Voltaire performed “Madame” for an enthusiastic crowd of music history professors at the College Music Society conference on music history pedagogy.
La Duchesse d’Orléans was again the focus in Pittsburgh, at the National Flute Association conference in August. “Madame” was a featured concert in the convention line-up.
The 2006-07 Season sees a new initiative—house concerts-these intimate gatherings of friends for music, conversation and wine put chamber music back in its rightful place—your home. To discuss hosting an event, please contact at Barbara@ensemblevoltaire.com
The 2006-07 Season saw the official start of The Bach Project, a collaborative series of concerts with the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra. Ensemble Voltaire’s own, John Abberger, made his conducting debut on March 24, 25 2007, directing Cantatas 106 and 131, as well as Brandenburg Concerto No. 4.
Public Radio's premier early music program, Harmonia, featured Ensemble Voltaire in a full length program in 2004. Host Angela Mariani talked to the group about its mission to make early music accessible, its newest recording (Telemann: Quartets and Trios) and a favorite NEW work, written in 2002, "Revenant" by Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock. Click here to hear the broadcast.
The members of Ensemble Voltaire performed on the Byron Colby Barn Early Music Series in Prairie Crossing, near Chicago, in January. The Chicago Tribune, which reviewed the concert, noted "At the front of the barn stood a harpsichord, which was brought in the night before to acclimate to the barn, and candelabra with white candles, all lit. When the music began, the hubbub of greeting and chatting disappeared, replaced by music written in Italy and France 300 years ago."
The Tribune further noted "In the barn, Ars Antigua with Ensemble Voltaire treated the audience to a "battle of good tastes" between Italian and French baroque composers, punctuating the sonatas and suites with readings of occasionally snarky reviews by critics of the time, which elicited chuckles from the audience. "It's such a luscious thing to do on a Sunday afternoon," said Carole Whitcomb after the performance of Ars Antigua with Ensemble Voltaire. "It's an amazing treat." To read the full Tribune review, as well as a second article on this remarkable concert, click the REVIEW section.
The Indiana Arts Commission invited Ensemble Voltaire to represent the state at a showcase event for the Arts Midwest conference, held in Indianapolis in 2005. EV performed “The Battle of Good Taste, France v. Italy”.
"Madame" program with
Ensemble Voltaire
International actress
Maia Guest, New York thespian and currently the voice of numerous pop culture and political figures in VH1's comedic series "Illustrated", takes the stage with Ensemble Voltaire in a special program entitled "Madame". On March 5, 2005, Ms. Guest will portray Elisabeth Charlotte, or simply "Madame" as she was called at court, in a program created especially for the group and Ms. Guest. Interspersed with periodic music performed by members of Ensemble Voltaire, Ms. Guest will read from letters written by this intelligent, outspoken woman who once wrote, "I believe that the histories which will be written about this court after we are gone will be better and more entertaining than any novel."
For more program information, see "Madame" in the Touring Programs section.
September 11, 2004 was given a more cheerful aspect this year. The Penrod Arts Fair, on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, was packed with arts enthusiasts, many of whom stopped by the Ensemble Voltaire/Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra booth. Prime attraction was Tom Gerber, playing all of the Well Tempered Clavier--several times. We hope to see new friends at our 2004-05 Indianapolis concerts!
