Virtuosi Brunensis

Also known as the Czech Opera Orchestra, Virtuosi Bruneses or Virtuosi Brunensis has made a series of recordings for Naxos featuring not only Rossini, something of a specialty, but also lesser-known composers of the early 19th century. The Virtuosi was formed in 2007, assembling musicians from several ensembles in Brno and adding first chairs and section leaders from other top orchestras in the Czech Republic. It offers a range of operatic and orchestral performances in its native country and was in residence at Germany's Rossini in Wildbad festival from 2008 to 2014. Outside Central Europe, Virtuosi Bruneses may be best known for its recordings on Naxos, which have included less-often-performed Rossini works, as well as even rarer works by Nicola Vaccai and Pietro Generali. ~ James Manheim