Formed in 1973 by Peter Seymour, this ensemble specializes in the performance of music from the 17th and 18th centuries. The size of the group varies from chamber to orchestral size depending on the requirements of the repertoire. The regular constituents of the ensemble are soprano, tenor, and bass solo vocalists; six violins; three violas; three cellos; one violone; three flutes; two oboes; one clarinet; two bassoons; two trumpets; two theorbos; and a keyboardist who performs on organ, harpsichord, or piano. The group has performed and recorded throughout Europe and is the basic contingent for the York Early Music Festival. The ensemble often performs with the Yorkshire Bach Choir to realize such classics as Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Mozart's Requiem and C Minor Mass, Cantatas for the Feast of St. Michael by Bach, and Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, as well as a presentation of Heinrich Biber's monumental Missa Alleluia for eight-part choir, eight soloists, six trumpets, timpani, two cornets, three trombones, strings, and continuo. In addition to its regular participation in the York Early Music Festival, where its performances have been recorded by the BBC and WDR, the group has also appeared at Festival Mitte Europa and the Bach Leipzig Festival. Its recordings on the Signum label since 2010 include Bach's St. John Passion and the B Minor Mass.