Under the dynamic leadership of founder and Artistic Director, Christopher Monks, Armonico Consort has become the fastest-growing arts organisation of its type in the country. Since its debut performance with Emma Kirkby in 2001, Armonico Consort has gained a reputation for presenting innovative programmes in an accessible and entertaining manner.

Armonico Consort is, at its heart, a highly talented vocal ensemble staging a wide range of programmes in atmospheric settings. From massive 16th century polyphony including Spem in Alium, to sonorous romantic music such as Rachmaninov’s Vespers, and from the Bach Passions to Venetian Vespers with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, Armonico Consort brings each work to life, providing the audience with a fresh musical experience. These performances are often accompanied by their own orchestra, which features the finest period instrumentalists in the world. The choir also regularly works with other orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philharmonia and The European Union Chamber Orchestra. Armonico Consort performs regularly at the majority of major festivals in the UK, at venues across the world and regularly perform with some of the world’s greatest artists including Nicola Benedetti, Natalie Clein, James Bowman, Jennifer Pike, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Crispian Steele-Perkins and Dame Emma Kirkby.

Armonico Consort Education has reached more than 50,000 children in the past seven years, allowing them to experience first-hand the joy of performing live music. Its workshops, complete with especially composed music by Armonico Consort member, and Hollywood composer David Buckley (credits include Shrek III), have inspired hundreds of young singers and have received acclaim from pupils, teachers, music authorities and the media.

Armonico Consort’s charitable activities extend to its support of young professional singers starting out in their careers. In the Young Artists Programme, these musicians are offered real opportunities and training, intended to equip them for the challenging musical journey they have chosen.

Armonico Consort has recorded seven CDs, including Dixit Dominus, a world premiere recording of the music of Francesco Scarlatti with Dame Emma Kirkby, which was acclaimed as one of the top five choral releases of 2004 by Gramophone Magazine, and Purcell’s The Fairy Queen which was awarded four stars by The Times.

www.armonico.org.uk