Introduction of the Ensemble

Formed by soprano Maria Cristina Kiehr and harpsichordist Jean-Marc Aymes, Concerto Soave is primarily dedicated to XVIIth Century Italian music. The ensemble is a 'Concerto' in the original sense of the word, i.e. a rich and diverse instrumental ensemble (archlute, harp, viola da gamba, harpsichord, organ, sometimes violins) accompanying a solo voice. Concerto Soave also aims to re-discover forgotten music as shown in its two first recordings featuring works by Giovanni-Felice Sances (Choc - Monde de la Musique) and Barbara Strozzi, both for Empreinte Digitale.

The ensemble is now recording exclusively for Harmonia Mundi : the first CD, dedicated to Monteverdi's sacred music, Pianto della Madonna, a collection of motets for solo voice, received great acclaim in the press : "Enchanteur", Opera International, "a superb recital", Le Monde, "irresistible", Daily Telegraph and the second recording, Canta la Maddalena, was made Diapason d'Or in May 2000. A third CD features a selection of Alessandro Scarlatti's numerous Cantatas preceded the release of Madrigali e Canzonette by Sigismondo d'India and, more recently, Scherzi Musicali, with Stephan MacLeod, bass.  Their most recent recording, Lamentazioni per la Settimana Santa, was awarded Editor’s Choice in Gramophone and the Diapason Découverte.

Since its formation, the ensemble has been invited to perform at De Bijloke in Gent, Philharmonie in Brussels, 'Musica Flandrica' in Bruges, 'Les Arts Renaissants' in Toulouse, 'Chapelle des Invalides' in Paris, Cologne WDR, South Bank in London, Freunde des Alte Musik in Basel, Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon and as part of the Utrecht, Ambronay, Montreux, Aranjuez, Fribourg, Wallonie, Flanders, Lufthansa, Misteria Paschalia and Zamora festivals.  In the coming season, the group will appear at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Konzerthaus in Vienna and the Musiksommer in Leipzig.