“No one concert this group performs is conventional… One cannot deny PHOENIX’s superb musicianship in whatever it tackles. Those of us looking for first class performance will never be disappointed by PHOENIX. It has set new standards for Early Music performance in Israel.” Go Jerusalem
"Ensemble PHOENIX: for the ones looking for baroque programs with originality and quality." Yedioth Aharonoth
"Ensemble PHOENIX reveals rumours and scandal around the lives (and deaths) of several Baroque composers [Stradella, Purcell, Jean-Marie Leclair, Forqueray and even J.S. Bach]... A fine program of beautiful playing, interest and a humorous dimension. A treat awaits those intending to attend the concert in the Old Masters Gallery of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art." Pamela Hickman
Leonora Duarte, Palazzo and Synagogue
From the house concerts at the Duarte palazzo, attended by Antwerp's elite, to the songs chanted at the Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam (known as 'HaMakom’ for its openness and tolerance of Jews), a glimpse into the musical world of Marranos and Jews in the Low Countries in the 17th century.
The Goldberg variations written originally for harpsichord (1741) is one of Bach’s most important works, stunning in the variety of genres it addresses.
PHOENIX performs Bernard Labadie’s brilliant and ground-breaking version for strings and continuo, revealing the awesome wealth of music beyond the harpsichord.
The extraordinary music of Venetians Lotti, Caldara and Vivaldi influenced the most important composers of the 18th century.
Meet the Requiem that inspired Mozart, the Magnificat that enchanted Bach.
And have fun with the gondola song!
Friends and Colleagues: Bach and Telemann
Far from being rivals, Bach and Telemann were friends and mutual admirers.
This program gives us the opportunity to enjoy great music by two foremost composers whose musical personalities are so very distinct.
With Moshe Aron Epstein (baroque flute), Myrna Herzog (viola da gamba and musical direction), Marina Minkin (harpsichord) and Marina Katz (baroque cello).
A Magic Carpet brings together Iranian harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani and Israeli viol player Myrna Herzog
in an emotional and fascinating encounter, at the Felicja Blumental International Music Festival.
In the program, music by Bach, Bohuslav Martinů, Haim Alexander, Edmundo Vilani Côrtes, François Couperin's Ritratto dell’amore (The portrait of Love) and the premiere of Uri Brener's Magic Carpet - written for the occasion.
Was Salieri really this mediocre composer depicted in the film Amadeus?
If so, why was Salieri worshipped all over Europe as a great composer?
Hear vocal and instrumental music by Mozart and Salieri – and participate in a quiz: let's see if you can really tell who wrote what...
Soloists: Vittoria Giacobazzi (Italy - soprano), Genevieve Blanchard (classical flute), Gili Rinot (classical clarinet). Conductor: Myrna Herzog
Enjoying David Shemer’s grand fortepiano, Ensemble PHOENIX on period instruments presents late fortepiano trios by three composers who had a personal connection: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Josef Haydn and Stephen Storace. It is a pleasant surprise to hear the nearly unknown Storace trios, side by side with two of the most beloved trios by Mozart (KV 542) and Haydn (the f# minor trio) - here in a Beethovenesque phase. With David Shemer (grand fortepiano), Rachel Ringelstein ( violin) and Myrna Herzog (cello).
The program amazed with its enormous diversity. Besides a little known Iberian repertoire, it included also pieces from the Sephardi tradition and, most surprisingly, songs of the Portuguese Crypto-Jews (i.e. Maranos) recorded at their community in Belmonte, Portugal, and transcribed by Herzog... Far from being monotonous, this music is versatile both in style and emotional expression. Much of it is highly romantic, intensely emotional, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes lyric, and sometimes even humorous.The ensemble's teamwork was perfect, and their command of the various tricky instruments was thoroughly professional.
