Our History

Driven by a desire to bring Baroque and Classical music to life using the instruments and playing styles of their time, Pinnock gathered a group of like-minded musicians. From these early years, The English Concert quickly gained recognition for its fresh and insightful interpretations. It was Jordi Savall (pictured), whose own group is called Les Concert des Nations, who suggested to Trevor Pinnock that his group could be named The English Concert. Pinnock, directing from the harpsichord, led the orchestra for over three decades, shaping its distinctive sound marked by vibrant energy and stylistic awareness. He championed historically informed performance practices, carefully researching and applying period techniques to their playing.

This commitment to authenticity, combined with the ensemble’s virtuosity, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Under Pinnock’s direction, The English Concert embarked on an extensive recording project, producing a vast and influential discography that includes celebrated interpretations of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Handel’s Messiah, and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The English Concert won two Gramophone Awards for their performances of Corelli’s Concerti Grossi and Haydn’s Nelson Mass. These recordings, praised for their vitality and scholarly approach, helped popularise Baroque music and establish The English Concert as a leading group in the early music revival. Although Pinnock stepped down as director in 2003, his legacy continues to inspire the orchestra today.

After Trevor’s tenure, Andrew Manze took over, producing a series of seminal recordings on Harmonia Mundi, including acclaimed interpretations of Mozart’s violin concertos and C.P.E. Bach’s symphonies. In 2007, The English Concert welcomed Harry Bicket as Artistic Director. Bicket continued the orchestra’s dedication to historically informed performance, bringing his experience from working with leading opera houses worldwide.

Under Bicket’s leadership, The English Concert has embraced a wide range of repertoire, with a renewed focus on opera and oratorio. He has a particular affinity for Handel and has led the orchestra in acclaimed performances of many of the composer’s operas and oratorios. Bicket’s tenure has also been marked by a series of celebrated recordings. His work for EMI, Harmonia Mundi, and Linn Records features collaborations with renowned soloists such as Iestyn Davies, Lucy Crowe, Emily D’Angelo, Ian Bostridge, Sarah Connolly, and Elizabeth Watts, receiving widespread critical praise.

Their partnership has taken The English Concert to prestigious venues and festivals around the world, further cementing its reputation as a leading force in historically informed performance.