Avison Ensemble

The Avison Ensemble is one of England's leading exponents of classical music on period instruments. It is named after Charles Avison (1709–1770), the Newcastle-born composer, conductor and organist. Comprising some of Europe's leading musicians and soloists, the Ensemble is directed by violinist Pavlo Beznosiuk. It varies in numbers depending on the repertoire being performed, and is typically of chamber ensemble or concerto grosso size, expanding to full chamber orchestra when needed.

The Ensemble was formed in 1985 by cellist and musical director Gordon Dixon after discovering a collection of 18th-century concertos by the long-neglected Avison. Despite having written over eighty string concertos, Avison's music had been rarely performed since his death. The Ensemble was formed with the aim of performing, recording and publicising Avison's works and to bring to public attention the many other neglected British composers of the baroque period.

The Avison Ensemble performs on period instruments in order to recreate as closely as possible the distinctive sound-world of the late 18th century.

Consisting of some of Europe's leading baroque musicians and soloists the Ensemble is led by Pavlo Beznosiuk, one of the UK's leading period instrument virtuoso violinist and leader of the Academy of Ancient Music. The Ensemble has also performed under the conductors Benjamin Zander and Nicholas Kraemer, and with soloists such as the cellists Anner Bylsma, Jaap ter Linden, and Pieter Wispelwey, pianists Ronald Brautigam and Alexei Lubimov, and singers James Bowman, Robin Blaze and Catherine Bott.

For two years the Ensemble broadcast live concerts on BBC Radio 3 as part of their ‘Live from the 18th century’ series. The Ensemble spearheaded the extensive programme of events in 2009 celebrating the 300th anniversary of Avison's birth.

The Avison Ensemble has recorded the complete works of Charles Avison on both the Naxos Records and Divine Art labels, and amongst other recordings the six Cello Concertos by John Garth with Divine Art. Apart from the Avison/Scarlatti Concerti Grossi recording these have all been world premiere recordings. The Ensemble's recordings feature regularly on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM (UK) playlists. Wikipedia