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HISTORYof the Ambache Chamber Orchestra and Ensemble |
The group was founded by Diana Ambache in 1984, to play Mozart Piano Concertos in a collaborative way.
It was both an orchestra and an ensemble, working as a flexible group.
Diana then discovered unappreciated works by women and set about bring these works to public attention.
London concerts were given at St John's Smith Square, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, the Old Vic, the Tate Gallery and the Royal Academy of Art. Regional performances were given for the National Trust, Festivals and Music Clubs. Abroad, they played in France, Germany and Korea.
The following list of themed London concerts illustrates the ideas behind the music making:
1984: Inaugural concert.
1988: Mozart's First Concert at The Old Vic
1989: Sweet 17
1990: Doubles
1991: Mozart Turning the Key
1992: After Mozart; & Haydn in England
1994: Mozart First and Last
1994-7: Women of Note
1998: The Music of Friends
1999: Only Connect (teamwork in music)
1992-3: Music that moves
2003: Not Your Eine Kleine
2003-4: Old Masters, New Mistresses
2004: French Connections
2005: Salle de Jeux
2006: Anniversaries
2007: English Allsorts; & Centenary
2008: Skirting Round Europe (final concert)
Over 24 years, the group gave 45 premières of music by women past and present, and made 6 recordings of music by women & 7 recordings of music by men; these were issued on Meridian, Carlton Classics, Naxos, the Ambache, Signum Classics, and Chandos.
Sponsors included PA Consulting; Air Europe, Gota Bank; Hammond Suddards; the National Grid; Pfizer; Interregnum; & Gartmore.