Fiori Musicali
Founded in 1983, Fiori are one of the UK’s principal providers of classical and early music concerts outside London. Fiori’s passion is to bring to life the music of the past, making it accessible to all. Showcasing some of today’s finest specialist musicians. Fiori perform as a chamber ensemble, a choir and as a nationally recognised chamber orchestra.
Ranging from renaissance choral music to early romantic repertoire and beyond (with an emphasis on the glorious music of the baroque) Fiori’s annual season of around 30 concerts takes place in outstanding historic venues, mostly in the heart of England. Never ‘off the shelf’, Fiori’s concerts are unique, melding artistry and atmosphere to create musical experiences that inform and inspire.
Director
Founder director Dr Penelope Rapson creates, presents and directs all Fiori’s performances.
Penelope Rapson, Fiori’s founder and artistic director, is one of many Oxford musicians, including Jane Glover and Emma Kirkby, who have championed the revival of music before Mozart. Penelope was born in Wirksworth, Derbyshire and read music at Somerville College, Oxford, studying with David Wulstan.
Orchestra
The Fiori Musicali Chamber Orchestra fields some of today’s finest specialist musicians.
Nationally recognised by Orchestras Live, the orchestra has performed abroad in Paris and Madrid alongside acclaimed countertenor the late James Bowman, recorded with violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and clarinettist Colin Lawson and worked with many distinguished musicians including Simon Standage, Emma Kirkby and composer Geoffrey Burgon.
Leader
Fiori’s leader and principal soloist Kerstin Linder-Dewan
Performers
Some of Fiori’s principal performers.
Choir
The unique sound of the Fiori Choir has been entrancing audiences since 1984.
Renowned for clarity and purity of voice, the Fiori Musicali Choir (usually around 20-25) began life almost 4 decades ago with a performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Since then, there have been CDs, including Purcell’s ode Hail! Bright Cecilia, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, and a first British recording of the Requiem in C minor by baroque composer JD Zelenka as well as sacred choral music by Tallis and a live CD recording of Monteverdi‘s Vespers of 1610.
Fiori Village Choir
This small choir provides music for weddings, memorial services, etc. and offers less experienced singers the opportunity to sing choral music.
Choral Evensongs
Fiori sing traditional choral evensongs at the St James’ Church, Edgecote in the summer months.
Education
Fiori’s education programme ranges from concerts with young people to choral workshops in the UK and singing weeks abroad.