Penelope Rapson artistic director Chamber ensemble (4-10 musicians) Chamber orchestra (11-30 players) Choir (20-30 singers)

Welcome to Fiori Musicali - bringing alive the drama and passion of 17th and 18th century music. Fiori specialise in taking audiences back to the sound world of an earlier age, presenting familiar repertoire alongside rarer music. Under founder/director Penelope Rapson, Fiori’s programmes are popular with the concert-going public. For 2007 we offer a feast of great music and great artists. We work with virtuoso recorder player Pamela Thorby, playing sparkling chamber concertos by Vivaldi our recent CD of these pieces was well reviewed: ‘There are six lovely performances on this recording ….there is no denying the stylish and enjoyable playing of Fiori Musicali … a thoroughly enjoyable recording.’ Early Music Review Fiori also work with countertenor James Bowman, with whom they have toured to Madrid, and with acclaimed Spanish guitarist José María Gallardo del Rey. Fiori offer a range of formats small chamber ensemble, chamber choir and also chamber orchestra, and present repertoire from Palestrina and Victoria, to Mozart and Beethoven, with everything in between. Fiori’s players include well known musicians and Penelope Rapson inspires performances that linger in the memory long after their concert finishes. ‘I found the programme enjoyable both for its musical content and for the affectionate way in which it is played ... Well worth exploring.’ Nicholas Anderson, Gramophone

Sample Programme:

Brilliant virtuoso music by Venice’s famous red-headed priest - Antonio Vivaldi. Enter the colourful carnival world of 18th century Venice, brought vividly to life on authentic instruments by Fiori Musicali. Fiori present dazzling chamber concertos for recorder, violin, oboe, bassoon, theorbo and continuo.

Education:

Artistic director Penelope Rapson’s introductions to the music lead audiences into the cultural world and history of earlier centuries. Fiori also offer regular music appreciation evenings for those who wish to delve further into the world of music

Recordings:

Metronome: 2 forthcoming CDs (due for release summer 2007)
Grace Davidson solo album with Fiori Musicali, director Penelope Rapson; Zelenka Requiem ZWV.45 with FM choir and orchestra, soloists Grace Davidson, James Bowman, Benjamin Hulett and Simon Whiteley

Performances:

25 Nov 06 St Ceciliatide International Festival of Music
13 Sep 07 Melbourne Festival
15 Sep 07 St Loup de Naud Festival, Paris

Contact:

Penelope Rapson, Bank Cottage,
Preston Capes, Northants NN11 3TD

Tel: 01327 361380
Fax: 08700 517752

Email: fiori@fiori-musicali.com
Website: www.fiori-musicali.com/www.st-ceciliatide.com