Florilegium

Florilegium is internationally recognized as one of Britain’s most distinguished period-instrument ensembles, celebrated for its vibrant, stylish, and historically informed performances. Since its founding in 1991, the group has captivated audiences worldwide with interpretations that combine scholarly insight with expressive artistry. Their repertoire spans from intimate chamber music to grand orchestral and choral works, performed both as a dedicated instrumental ensemble and in collaboration with exceptional vocal soloists and leading choirs.

Florilegium’s reputation has been built on appearances at many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and festivals. Highlights include performances at the Sydney Opera House, Singapore’s Esplanade, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Beethoven-Haus in Bonn, Handel-Haus in Halle, and the Frick Collection in New York. From 1998 to 2000, Florilegium held the position of Ensemble-in-Residence at London’s Wigmore Hall, presenting multiple concert series each season and contributing significantly to the Hall’s education initiatives. Today, they continue their commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians as Ensemble in Association at the Royal College of Music, working closely with students on both modern and period instruments to explore the rich world of Baroque chamber music.

Florilegium’s extensive discography on Channel Classics has garnered numerous accolades, including two Gramophone Award nominations, three BBC Music Magazine Awards, multiple Gramophone “Editor’s Choice” selections, and several Diapason d’Or and Chocs de la Musique in France. Their Bach Cantatas recording with Johannette Zomer won the Edison Award, Dutch music’s highest honour. In 2014, their landmark 25th recording—the complete Bach Brandenburg Concertos—received a Dutch Luister 10 Award, was named Classical CD Choice of the Month, and featured as Classic FM’s Album of the Week.

Subsequent releases have also garnered international praise. Their recording of Telemann’s Concertos & Cantata “Ihr Völker hört” with mezzo-soprano Clare Wilkinson earned Gramophone’s “Editor’s Choice” and was shortlisted for Best Baroque Chamber Music CD. Recent projects include Haydn’s early symphonies (Morning, Noon and Night), and the Spohr Collection—a trilogy of recordings featuring rare 17th- and 18th-century flutes from a private German collection. Their latest album, Tra le fiamme, showcases vocal and instrumental works by Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi with soprano Rowan Pierce and has been met with critical acclaim.

Several of these projects have been generously supported by the Continuo Foundation, enabling Florilegium to continue its mission of bringing historically informed performance to new audiences.