The set
Ensemble La Sestina specializes in the performance of Renaissance polyphony, both sacred and secular. It also occasionally performs contemporary music. It is directed by and was founded in 1999 by Adriano Giardina.
With regard to the Renaissance, the ensemble aims both to unearth works lying dormant in libraries and to perform others that are better known. The practice of contemporary music allows it to enrich its expressive palette.
La Sestina usually performs as a chapel ensemble (twelve to fifteen singers), alternating between full ensembles and soloists. Occasionally, the group is smaller (four to eight singers). Instrumentalists may also be added. The ensemble is officially based in Neuchâtel, but it typically creates its new programs in Geneva, Lausanne, and Neuchâtel.
Her first two albums, dedicated to the Album of Margaret of Austria and the early motets of Tomás Luis de Victoria, were very well received by the international specialist press.
In 2011, La Sestina recorded The Angel's Voice , music for high voices composed by the Spaniard Francisco Guerrero. This album was produced by Deutsche Harmonia Mundi (Sony Classics) and received widespread acclaim.
In 2014, a new CD was released by the same label, dedicated to musical tributes to Josquin Desprez. This recording received 5 Diapasons, 4 Etoiles from Classica , Tipp, and 5 Etoiles from Fono Forum .
See Roland de Lassus's Lagrime di San Pietro
Teaser for the 2023 production of Roland de Lassus's "Lagrime di San Pietro," one of the great masterpieces of the Renaissance. Discover the staging of the audience and singers, directed by Isabelle Vallon.
Retrospective of the project dedicated to the Dow Partbooks
Through this magnificent film made in November 2021 by Samuel Chalard, discover La Sestina in rehearsals and learn more about the singers!