Ex Cathedra Choir and Orchestra

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Ex Cathedra is a professional musical ensemble based in Birmingham, England, consisting of an orchestra, choir and consort, that specialises in Baroque and Early Music performed vocally or on period instruments.

Unusually for an ensemble primarily dedicated to pre-classical music, Ex Cathedra also performs works from well outside this repertoire, even commissioning contemporary pieces in an attempt to reduce the barriers between musical genres and performing styles.

Ex Cathedra performs regularly at a variety of venues in the Birmingham area, as well as appearing more widely throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The ensemble also make regular recordings and have an active education programme.

[edit] History

Ex Cathedra was originally founded as a chamber choir by Birmingham-based Early Music expert Jeffrey Skidmore in 1971. Gradually rising to national prominence, an associated orchestra was founded in 1983 - the first orchestra performing on period instruments to be founded in the United Kingdom outside London.

Jeffrey Skidmore remains as Artistic Director, with Nicolette Moonan as leader of the orchestra.