The Ensemble
L’Ensemble Portique presents musical programming that explores repertoire from the past and present. Generating incredible energy by its passionate embrace of Baroque and contemporary chamber music, the ensemble encompasses period instruments in its early music concerts, introduces audiences to rarely heard and commissioned works on its contemporary programs, and combines both old and new in single performances. Lively anecdotes highlighting the instrumentation and historical perspectives contribute to the rare listening experience. L’Ensemble Portique’s activities include national and international tours, residencies, festivals, workshops, broadcasts and recordings.

The Founder
Artistic Director Lisette Kielson created L’Ensemble Portique as an innovative performance ensemble that challenges the standard chamber music format. Its conception emerged from Lisette’s passion for playing Baroque and contemporary music on the recorder and flute. Her devotion to both instruments, her specialty in performing early and contemporary chamber repertoire, and her vision of integrating the two distinct musical worlds are the guiding force behind this unique ensemble.

The Name
L’Ensemble Portique’s name was inspired by the sculpture “Portique” designed and crafted by Lisette Kielson’s grandmother, internationally renowned artist Madeleine Stanley-Jossem. Two forms of steel stand boldly apart, creating an opening, yet both are connected to the solid base which unites them. “Portique” is the visual representation of the independence and interdependence of the distinct and separate musical worlds of early and contemporary music.

The Musicians
L’Ensemble Portique’s programs comprise 2-5 musicians. The ensemble sets itself apart by its programming and composition of its featured performers, who vary with each concert and are specifically selected to best illustrate the thematic repertoire and its instrumentation. They are all consummate professionals, active in the fields of early and contemporary music as solo, chamber, and orchestral players.

The Venues
L’Ensemble Portique’s vast and varied repertoire lends itself to performances in intimate venues (concert series in private homes, museums, churches, colleges), as well as larger, more traditional settings (concert halls, theaters, auditoriums.) Festivals, residencies and workshops provide wonderful settings for L’Ensemble Portique to further its commitment to the educational process.