Critically acclaimed choir and instrumental ensemble Armonico Consort entertains audiences across the country with its high quality concerts, outstanding recordings and innovative projects. Drawing on the passions of forward-thinking founder and artistic director Christopher Monks, our professional singers and musicians perform inspiring programmes, spanning the Baroque to the present day.
Armonico Consort began life in 2001, set up by Christopher Monks and a group of university colleagues with a shared passion for music from the Renaissance to Baroque, coupled with the imagination to find new and unusual ways to present concerts. Audiences seemed to love their engaging and imaginative approach, and most concerts in the first years sold out.
Having now reached their 20th birthday year, Armonico Consort intend to celebrate as any reckless 20-year old might. Celebrations to mark this milestone have included the restaging of some of their favourite concert programmes such as the 53-part Missa Salisburgensis by Heinrich Biber, and a performance of Carmina Burana at the Royal Albert Hall. Upcoming highlights of the season include a tour and brand-new recording of newly edited 16-part works by Francesco Scarlatti, which saw them perform their Wigmore Hall debut back in 2003, St John Passion with Ian Bostridge, a world premiere of ‘It Takes a City’ at the Royal Albert Hall, a new work by Toby Young about the importance of family and community as well as a special programme alongside this to honour the Queen, the Commonwealth and the communities within it. They will also bring another unique performance to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in the upcoming summer months. In addition to this, they are beginning a major new partnership with Foundaçion Azteca in Mexico which will see them train new choir leaders across Mexico working with the Orchestra of the Americas to create the first high level symphony orchestra and chorus in the country.