The English Concert

The English Concert has been a pioneering force in the period instrument movement since 1973 when it was founded by harpsichordist and conductor Trevor Pinnock. Driven by a desire to bring Baroque and Classical music to life using the instruments and playing styles of their time, Pinnock gathered a group of like-minded musicians. From these early years, The English Concert quickly gained recognition for its fresh and insightful interpretations.

Pinnock, directing from the harpsichord, led the orchestra for over three decades, shaping its distinctive sound marked by vibrant energy and stylistic awareness. He championed historically informed performance practices, carefully researching and applying period techniques to their playing.This commitment to authenticity, combined with the ensemble’s virtuosity, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Under Pinnock’s direction, The English Concert embarked on an extensive recording project, producing a vast and influential discography that includes celebrated interpretations of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Handel’s Messiah, and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. 

 In 2007, The English Concert welcomed Harry Bicket as Artistic Director. Bicket continued the orchestra’s dedication to historically informed performance, bringing his experience from working with leading opera houses worldwide. Under Bicket’s leadership, The English Concert has embraced a wide range of repertoire, with a renewed focus on opera and oratorio. He has a particular affinity for Handel and has led the orchestra in acclaimed performances of many of the composer’s operas and oratorios. 

To learn more about The English Concert, visit their website.