Dunedin Consort
Dunedin Consort is Scotland’s leading Baroque ensemble, performing throughout the world. It is acclaimed for its energised and vivid performances, directed by leading Bach authority John Butt
THIS YEAR HAS BEEN one of many exciting firsts for Dunedin Consort, including its debut performance at the BBC Proms and a residency at London’s Wigmore Hall. The works of JS Bach form the backbone of Dunedin Consort’s 2017/18 Season, including performances of his St John and St Matthew Passions, the B Minor Mass and the Christmas Oratorio with regular Dunedin partners tenor Nicholas Mulroy, bassbaritone Matthew Brook, countertenor Iestyn Davies and soprano Sophie Bevan. The new season takes the ensemble to the Handelfestspiele Halle in Germany and a residency at Krakow’s Holy Week Festival in Poland. The leader of Dunedin Consort, Cecilia Bernardini, will tour a selection of Vivaldi’s virtuosic violin concertos and John Butt directs two ambitious Handel oratorios. Founded in 1995 and taking its name from ‘Din Eidyn’, the ancient Celtic name of Edinburgh Castle, Dunedin Consort has established itself as one of the world’s leading Baroque ensembles. Famous for its vibrant performances, it has won several awards for its acclaimed discs, of works such as Handel’s Messiah the JS Bach Passions. ‘The music we make at Dunedin Consort not only must reflect the time and style in which it was written,’ says John Butt, ‘but also the energy, atmosphere and excitement of the performances where these works, many of which have proved to be remarkable durable masterpieces, were heard for the first time.’