The Harp Consort is an international Early Music ensemble directed by Andrew Lawrence-King, specialising in Baroque Opera, early dance-music, and historical World Music.
The Harp Consort improvises within the distinct styles of baroque, renaissance and medieval music. The group takes its inspiration from the 17th-century harp consort formed in England at the court of Charles I: in contrast to the homogeneous string orchestra (also formed at this time), the Consorte brought together diverse types of solo instruments – harp, lutes, keyboards, strings – and voices, to create colourful new combinations in the fashion of the day. Like the 17th-century Consorte, The Harp Consort is formed around the accompanying instruments of the basso continuo and brings together an international team of musicians who create a rich variety of timbres.
The Harp Consort's debut CD, Luz y norte (17th century dance music from Spain and South America) gained a Diapason d’Or in France, Record of the Year from Amadeus magazine in Italy, and topped the classical charts for five weeks in Australia.[citation needed]
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