For many decades and with few exceptions, the quality of New York based historically informed performing ensembles has been curiously substandard, given the high concentration of excellent instrumentalists, singers, and musical academicians in and around the city.
Thankfully, into this relative void emerged the group TENET, seemingly fully formed, which has single-handedly raised New York early music performance standards to a world-class level, comparable in stylishness and quality to such European groups as Musica Fiata and Cantus Cölln. Credit the vision and dedication of artistic director Jolle Greenleaf and her colleagues for consistently reaching the high bar they established from the group's inception.
In addition to its meticulous musicianship and diligent musicological scholarship is the apparent joy TENET projects in each and every performance. New York would be most fortunate were TENET and its superb Green Mountain (Monteverdi) Project to become as permanent a fixture in the city's musical landscape as is the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera.
For those old enough to remember (and young enough to search online), TENET has earned the late broadcaster DeKoven's highest praise: super OTU.
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Richard Steinman
Columbia University
TENET typifies true excellence--both in programming and performance. Its ability to consistently educate and inspire audiences with outstanding period pieces is unparalleled. Through its unique partnerships with other ensembles, TENET regularly demonstrates its nimbleness with projects that range from intimate chamber works to large sweeping orchestral productions. Under the artistic direction of Ms. Greenleaf, this small non-profit has grown by leaps and bounds, both in size and quality. It is an honor to donate to such a worthy organization.
I have the privilege of serving on Tenet's Board of Directors, as well as the pleasure of recording their live performances in the Boston area. Having been involved with early music organizations for over four decades, I can say that Tenet represents something very special; their vitality and excellence is truly second to none. Boston has for many years had an embarrassment of riches with respect to early music performance, but in my experience, Tenet is the jewel in the crown.
I have been a member of the TENET board of directors since its inception; I also served on the board of one of our predecessor organizations so am one of two board members who has the longest history with the organization. Why am I so enthusiastic about TENET? Let me count the ways: the deep and obvious commitment of our music director Jolle Greenleaf to high performance and ethical standards; five seasons (and now beginning the sixth) of excellent performances of a wide range of early and related vocal and choral music, one to a part, often of repertoire and composers rarely featured elsewhere; a partnership with the Green Mountain Project that has brought a long series of acclaimed performances of Monteverdi's music to audiences in New York and Boston; and growing recognition of the group's quality through invitations to perform in other venues both within and beyond the U.S. I could go on . . . and on, but I think the reader gets the picture.
I have an added perspective due to the fact that I spend half of each year living outside the U.S., specifically in Siena, Italy. One would think that the highest quality of music (especially Italian music) would be available in that city, but sadly not the case. Early music is thriving in some other European nations, but less so in Italy. That has made me appreciate all the more the quality and commitment of TENET's performances, particularly though not exclusively of the Italian repertoire. One of my desires, in fact, is to find a source or sources of financial backing to bring TENET to Italy!
I have had the great pleasure of working with and listening to Tenet since its inception. Its artisitc director Jolle Greenleaf, has been amazingly effective in building the group and "the brand" to where it is today. "Tenet" is universally known and respected. Audience members can be assured of great performances of "early music that is stylistically correct yet always interesting and educational. While they perform known masterworks, they also include works by lesser known composers or lesser works by known composers. Their performances are always nigh perfect - the vocal blend is always exceptional and the instrumentalists know how to make their instruments sing with their ensemble.
Any afficionado of either "early music" sung or played by small ensembles (One-on-a-part) will always be rewarded with a great performance...of a very high caliber of professionalism throughout.
One reason I keep coming back to TENET as a donor, a volunteer, and an audience member, is because they simply have some of the most exciting programming of any ensemble of this kind in New York City. The care and musical intuition that goes into crafting TENET's programs is unparalleled: from newly-reimagined Vespers services crafted from the works of different Baroque composers for Green Mountain Project, to their annual program of music written for St. Cecilia's Day, to the spiritually-moving Lenten series honoring the tradition of tenebrae, TENET's artistic director selects the most intriguing combinations of repertoire, and picks truly interesting subjects to explore which make early music accessible to modern audiences.
But that is only one reason I'm a TENET supporter through and through. There are so many more. The truly exquisite musicianship of TENET's singers and instrumentalists deserves and entire review on its own, but they have already been reviewed, glowingly and at length by many critics nation-wide. Also, TENET has multiple recordings available so I've been able to take some of their exquisite programs home with me (like 'Uno + One: Italia Nostra,' one of my favorites)! I've had the pleasure of volunteering for TENET for more than one special event and I have been impressed with the high level of organization and clear vision of TENET administration and leadership. Also, their marketing material is well-branded and simply beautiful, showing off the group to very good advantage. In short, TENET has so much going for it right now, and deserves every one of these five stars. I'm so excited to see what the next five years brings for this group.
I have been happy to be involved with TENET since it started five years ago. The group has made a huge impact on the Early Music scene in New York under the inspired direction of Jolle Greenleaf. The programming, the quality, and the dedication of TENET is second to none, and I'm proud to be able to support this group in any way I can.
I have been an active audience member
of TENET for over four years. I keep
coming back because of the exciting
programs, and the vibrant singers and
musicians of the ensemble.
The inclusion of period instruments by
other ensembles like the Sebastians
has made the programs all the more
exciting.
TENET brings light and joy to New York
City audiences, and I highly encourage
listeners to consider going to their
concerts.
V. Stein
I have been an enthusiastic supporter of Tenet ever since attending an eye-opening concert five years ago. Since that time I have followed the ensemble as it has moved to the very forefront of the Historical Performance Renaissance currently taking place in New York City. It has done so, not only by maintaining an unequalled level of excellence, but by further developing individual skills, and greatly expanding the repertoire. Further, Tenet has always sought out and employed new and young talent, thereby cultivating great exposure for a future generation of singers and musicians. Tenet as the very heart and soul of the early music scene has helped me realize that the true greatness of the past can resonate today, only when passionately presented with accuracy, beauty, and elegance. I urge all who wish to preserve and perpetuate the musical glories of past centuries to attend TENET concerts, and to donate as well, so as to assure that Tenet’s impact will continue to expand.
TENET is an ensemble that has truly earned every positive review it has received. These musicians really know their craft and fully embody the role they have in making historical music come to life for modern audiences. Behind this incredible group is the ambitious, visionary leadership of Jolle Greenleaf who constantly seeks excellence and who genuinely seeks to strengthen the field of early music. As a discerning musician looking to support a high-quality vocal ensemble, I was naturally drawn to TENET. I have been so pleased to be a part of its brilliance.
I have had the great fortune of volunteering for TENET NYC since its inception. As a NYC resident, frequent concert goer, and I think, discerning audience member, I highly recommend TENET's excellent mix of programming and stellar musicianship for unique concert experiences. Known for their Early Music focus, TENET is also a leader in the expanding NYC-based music scene for those of us who love compositions from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Mixing virtuosic singers with period instrumentalists, TENET, led by Jolle Greenleaf, has raised the bar!
I first discovered TENET as an audience member upon moving to New York City several years ago. Being a longtime student and fan of early music, I was initially attracted to the intriguing programming selections. Over time, though, I realized that TENET is special among the many other groups out there: the ineffable beauty of the group’s harmony extends beyond the sound of voice or instrument to the performers’ natural resonance with each other as artists. This unique alchemy brings out the inner illumination of significant works of music in a meaningful, magical and authentic way. Furthermore, TENET’s unique brand in the arts world attracts a sophisticated, attentive and appreciative audience, whose presence contributes to the positive experience of their performances.
Tenet is a treasure--having had an impact on the vitality of the New York Early Music scene far beyond its years. Artistic Director Jolle Greenleaf's peerless vocal talents are complemented by an entrepreneurial energy that has catalyzed such wonderful programs as the Green Mountain Project and this year's inaugural Early Music Festival: NYC. And last year's Tenet CD, "Uno + One: Italia Nostra," featuring Ms. Greenleaf and the fabulous soprano Molly Quinn, is an abiding delight. Bravissimo!