Ensemble Florata is dedicated to the study and performance of music through the fourteenth century, and to the traditional music of the Sephardic Jews and North African peoples. The relationship between these cultures is a particular interest of the ensemble.
The group records for ASV/Gaudeamus, and released their first recording:
A new recording of music of the Sephardic Jews will be released by Gaudeamus in April, 1997:
A collection of the exotic and beautiful music of the Sephardic Jews, from its origins in medieval Spain to its growth in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.
This recording features the splendid traditional music of the Sephardim, which has its origins in medieval Spain, and continues to be sung by the women of Sephardic communities today. In addition to medieval European influences, the sounds of the Arabic world, as well as Turkish and Balkan influences can be heard. The new line-up featured on this recording brings extensive experience with medieval and Middle Eastern music to this repertoire. The group has made this recording "live", without the use of digital editing, in order to capture the spontaneity of the music and retain its feel as a living tradition.
Ensemble Florata will be performing several UK concerts in the coming months to promote the new CD; details will be made available soon. Concerts at the Adrian Bolt Hall in Birmingham and the 10th Annual Conference of Judeo-Spanish Studies in London are among the upcoming venues. We will also be recording a third album for ASV in April
Florata previously consisted of Rachel Segal, Rebecca Davies, and Tim Rayborn. The first two have left to pursue other interests, and Tim Rayborn has been joined by two new musicians. The group is now working with the new name, Ensemble Florata, still under Tim Rayborn's direction.
Alison Sabedoria - Voice, Symphony, Harp, Medieval Fiddle, Percussion
Alison has trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire. As a specialist in medieval song combining vocal and instrumental skills, she has performed at the York Early Music Festival, with Sinfonye, and recently toured Taiwan. Her varied vocal colors reflect her interest in traditional music. She composes contemporary music and is an acclaimed voice tutor, teaching at the Birmingham Conservatoire and freelance vocal workshops.
Suzanne Hirschman - Recorders, Psaltery
Suzanne began her medieval music career in the San Franciso Bay Area, where she studied composition and technique with Shira Kammen and Kit Higginson of Ensemble Alcatraz. She later moved to Britain to be closer to the source of the medieval musical tradition. Suzanne has also studied Baroque recorder technique with Judy Linsenberg and Anneke Boek, and participated in masterclasses with Marion Verbruggen and Eva Lagene.
Tim Rayborn - Voice, `Ud, Psaltery, Harp, Percussion [Director]
Tim pursued studies in music and religion at Domincan College in California before moving to England, where he is currently finishing a PhD at the University of Leeds. He has studied and performed with a number of internationally-acclaimed medieval musicians. He has toured Germany and Switzerland, and appeared at the Jersey International Festival, as well as both the Beverley and York Early Music Festivals. He will be recording an album of troubador songs with vielle player Shira Kammen for ASV/Gaudeamus early next year.
For further information on Ensemble Florata, or to be included on the group's mailing list contact Tim Rayborn at:
14 Kendal Lane
Leeds LS3 1AY
ENGLAND
Phone: (0113) 245 9760
E-mail: trstar@arts-01.Novell.Leeds.AC.UK
Last updated: 1 March, 1997