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Biography:
The Proteus Ensemble was founded in 2013 by its conductor Stephen Shellard and consists of professional singers from all over the UK. Named after the Greek Sea – God, Proteus, the group takes its musical ‘raison d’etre’ from the adjective ‘protean’ or ‘versatile’ or capable of assuming many forms. With flexibility at its core the group is set upon a musical journey from earliest times to the present day.
The group’s first CD, on Regent Records, “Serenity, Courage, Wisdom” (A Sequence of Music and Readings for Remembrance) was recorded in Worcester Cathedral and launched at their inaugural concert in Pershore Abbey as part of the 2014 Worcester Three Choirs Festival. It was met with unanimous praise in the musical press with MusicWeb describing it as “a disc … for profound literary and musical enjoyment” and Cross Rhythms commenting that “No doubt 2014 will bring a flood of tributes and memorials to what happened a century ago but I doubt that there will be many better than this one” Their second recording, also on Regent Records, ‘The Mystery of Things’ features choral and organ works by contemporary English composer, Paul Fisher – “The soft, melodic contours of Paul Fishers musical signature make a welcome debut on disc … The Proteus Ensemble are entirely sympathetic advocates, especially adept at the great blossoms of feeling that regularly break the surface” ★★★★ Choir and Organ 2019