Draft:Laudonia (ensemble)

Laudonia are a Baroque ensemble based in Scotland. The name comes from the Latin for Lothian. The soprano Susan Hamilton, who was interviewed on the BBC's In Tune about the ensemble, along with Austrian Arts Manager Christoph Crepaz co-founded the group. The present line-up is: Susan Hamilton, vocals; Bojan Čičić, violin; Aaron McGregor, second violin; Lucia Capellaro, cello; Rick Standley, violone; John Kitchen, harpsichord; Jamie Akers, theorbo; and Martin Patscheider, natural trumpet.

They have recently finished a concert series called The Grand Tour based on a musical journey around Europe that the Second Baronet of Penicuik, Sir John Clerk, undertook in the 1690s. Hamilton said: "Sir John Clerk of Penicuik’s Grand Tour is of national importance. We were inspired by his incredible journey and fascinated that music played such a significant role opening doors and offering him wonderful opportunities. Music has always had the power to break down all barriers. It is a language without prejudice." Their next tour is called The Thistle and the Rose and will include repertoire for voice and lute from the British Isles including songs by Robert Burns and John Dowland.

Laudonia are interested in fostering educational and outreach programs within Scotland and beyond. To that end, the ensemble collaborates with schools, conservatoires, and concert halls.

The ensemble's mission statement says: Laudonia was born out of a passion to raise the standard of music. To bring it back to its glory days. To go back over 400 years. To create a future for music and musicians that will be celebrated for generations. Through performances, master classes and workshops Laudonia's ambition is to bring Early Music and New Music to those who already enjoy it and to new listeners who will see the renaissance it created so long ago.

We seem to have lost the art of patience. Life is rushing. Time is precious. But there are certain skills that can't be rushed. Music is one of those. The strive for perfection in sound and emotion takes time, learning, perseverance, and passion. Laudonia has been created to revive a level that is truly outstanding. They crowdfunded the recording of The Grand Tour to help secure the place of Sir John Clerk in music history, despite most of his music being destroyed in a fire. They were also one of 24 ensembles to receive funding from the Continuo Foundation, an arts charity that helps period-instrument musicians to bring more live music to communities in the UK.

Reviews

 * Laudonia - The Grand Tour from allevents.com
 * LAUDONIA: GRAND TOUR from VoxCarnyx
 * Laudonia from Continuo Connect