Allan Dean, Cornetto, Alto Sackbut, Recorders

Sally Logemann, Shawms, Dulcian, Recorders, Krummhorns

Lawrence Benz, Sackbut, Recorders, Krummhorns

Lucy Bardo, Viols, Vielle

Ben Harms, Percussion, Viols, Recorders, Pipe and Tabor

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Calliope, The New York Renaissance Band, was named the winner of the 1975 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition. The ensemble specialized in the performance of early music on authentic instruments, placing particular emphasis on the dance and instrumental literature for renaissance winds. Drawing on a repertory of four centuries, the ensemble performed music from the courts, churches and countryside of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and early Baroque.

The band performed at the 1977 US Presidential inauguration and later contributed to the soundtrack for R.O. Blechman's 1978 PBS holiday special Simple Gifts. The band released three albums: Calliope Dances: A Renaissance Revel (Nonesuch 1982); Calliope Festival (Nonesuch 1984); and Diversions (Summit 1990). The band also recorded Peter Schickele's composition Bestiary in 1984.

As part of their Naumburg prize, Calliope, The New York Renaissance Band was awarded two commissions --Hugh Aitken's Johannes and Alvin Brehm's A Pointe at His Pleasure. The band performed their Naumburg concert on January 12, 1976 in Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center.

Critical Acclaim

"A sizable audience...seemed to enjoy tapping its toes to some of the sweetest dance music this side of the year 1250.

The ensemble's selection of music was refreshingly off the beaten Renaissance path, and the handling of such elderly tools of music as shawm, cornetto and krummhorns was assured." - Donal Henahan, The New York Times

"The breadth of the program never permitted a dull moment.

Their music is often subtle and always delightful, particularly when performed with such knowledge and skill." Peter G. Davis, The New York Times