London Concertante is one of the finest chamber ensembles in the UK, its players brought together through a shared passion for chamber music. Founded in 1991, the ensemble soon established a reputation for inspired programming, thrilling performances and the unique rapport it builds with its audience.
The ensemble’s engagements grew quickly and in the first few years, London Concertante performed in the UK, made 3 major tours to Spain and, in an expanded form, quickly found itself in demand as a top-quality opera orchestra, performing for Holland Park Opera, Palace Opera, Music Theatre Kernow and Pegasus Opera. At the same time, the ensemble began its regular, and hugely popular, series of concerts at one of London’s landmark venues; St. Martin-in-the-Fields, where it performs 12 concerts each year. As well as St. Martin’s, the ensemble gives a number of concerts each year at other top venues including Southwark Cathedral, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall and will be giving their 25th Anniversary concert (in 2015) at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In 1995, the group released the first of its 16 recordings, on its own label. Since then, they have recorded for Toccatta Classics, Chandos, Harmonia Mundi and ARC Music, with a varied, eclectic and exciting range of repertoire, constantly garnering tremendous critical acclaim. Their latest recording pushes the boundaries of seminal composer, Astor Piazzolla, in a release entitled 'Piazzolla and Beyond'.
During the intervening years, London Concertante concentrated on chamber music and has performed throughout the UK for music clubs and festivals, giving around 100 concerts each year. Tours have taken them to the USA, Finland, Spain and France, and will be embarking on a tour to the Middle East in 2014.
As well as giving performances at festivals, music clubs and theatres, London Concertante also has a thriving education programme; inspiring youngsters to enjoy classical music, both as listeners and performers.