Karen Langille – baroque violin
Ivor Rothwell – baroque bassoon, recorder
Shawn Whynot – harpsichord
Hilary Brown – baroque cello
Réjouissance was founded in 1995 by Halifax musicians Karen Langille and Ivor Rothwell, both long time members of Symphony Nova Scotia. This ensemble specializes in the performance of 17th and 18th century music on period instruments, in historically informed style. The name “Réjouissance“ means rejoicing or merrymaking, and the ensemble strives to instill their performances with these sensibilities. Often, the musicians perform in18th century costume, and by candle light.
Réjouissance draws most of its repertoire from the vast collections of European instrumental music – from early 17th century Italian composers such as Uccellini and Fontana, to great 18th century German masters like Bach, Handel and Telemann. Musical offerings include trio sonatas, solo sonatas, early instrumental dances and early song settings, occasionally enhanced with the addition of a crumhorn…
Réjouissance has been heard on CBC Radio 2, both locally and nationally, and has appeared in historical venues throughout Nova Scotia.