EarlyMusicNews.org

“Timothy Burris graduated from Holland's Royal Conservatory, where he studied under the renowned lutenist, Toyohiko Satoh. From 1990-96, he taught lute at the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp.

A Fulbright alumnus, Mr Burris has performed throughout Europe and the US, including appearances with Derek Lee Ragin and Jennifer Lane, and performances under the baton of René Clemencic and Peter Schreier. He can be heard playing Bach's c minor Prelude in "Shock Act", the prize-winning short film by Seth Grossman. In addition to solo performances, Mr Burris appears with the tenor Timothy Johnson (as the duo Music’s Quill).“

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Added on: May 18, 2009 | Hits: 1385

Violone and Kontrabass performer. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 02, 2008 | Hits: 1379

"Matthew Wadsworth, lutenist, is in great demand as a soloist, continuo player and chamber musician. He has appeared at major festivals in the UK, Europe and North America and can frequently be heard on radio, both in live performance and on disc.

Matthew has recorded for Avie, Deux-Elles, Linn and EMI Records. His CDs, “When Laura Smiles”, (featuring music by Phillip Rosseter), “Away Delights” (Robert Johnson) and “14 Silver Strings” (Kapsberger and Piccinini) have received international critical acclaim.

Matthew is delighted to have recently been taken on as a solo artist by Channel Classics, and their first collaboration, ‘Masters of the Lute’ was Editor’s Choice in Gramophone Magazine, December 2006. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 1377

“I have been making instruments for the past fifteen years, at first at instrument making courses in the school holidays in Germany, then working with a harpmaker in Scotland for six months prior to joining the London College of Furniture in 1992.  After a six year training in making baroque instruments, violins and guitars/mandolins I graduated with an honours degree in 1998.  I moved to Ramsgate, Kent in the south east of England in 2002 where I share a workshop with my wife, the hurdy-gurdy maker Claire Dugué.

I mostly make mandolins, irish bouzoukis, mandolas and citterns for a wide range of players in various countries.“

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Added on: May 11, 2009 | Hits: 1377

"A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Phillip W. Serna (double bass and viola da gamba) is an active and enthusiastic performer of early music, as well as the contemporary, solo, orchestral, and chamber repertoires. Studying with Jeffrey M. Hill, Dr. Serna earned his high school diploma from the Instrumental Music Department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX. Afterwards, he earned his Bachelor of Music in double bass performance with Stephen Tramontozzi at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 1998. He later completed his Master of Music at Northwestern University School of Music in 2001 as a Civic Orchestra of Chicago Graduate Fellow. In 2007, Phillip Serna received the Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University where he studied double bass with international soloist DaXun Zhang and formerly with Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Michael Hovnanian. Additionally, he studied viola da gamba with Newberry Consort founder Mary Springfels. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 16, 2008 | Hits: 1375

"Peter Martin started playing the guitar while living as a child in Spain. He studied music at Churchill College, Cambridge during which time he became a founder member of the English Guitar Quartet. In recent years, Peter has concentrated increasingly on the lute, theorbo and baroque guitar. He is active as a solo recitalist, accompanist and continuo player. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2008 | Hits: 1369

"Nils Wieboldt, studied at the Musikhochschule Trossingen and at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, where he received his masters for specialising on baroque cello and historical performance practice with Jaap ter Linden.

In 1991 Nils won the first prize and the 'Rovere d'Oro Special Prize' at the Rovere d'Oro competition in Italy. In the nationwide competition "Jugend Musizert" in Germany he won the first prize in 1993. At the early music competition Musica Antiqua Brugge 2000 he won a 2nd price.

For the past years Nils has performed widely as a baroque cellist with various chamber music groups and and orchestras in most of Europe, Japan, the United States, the Middle-East and Russia. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 1366

"The Viola da Gamba Society of America (VdGSA) is a not-for-profit national organization dedicated to the support of activities relating to the viola da gamba in the United States and abroad. It is a society of players, builders, publishers, distributors, restorers and others sharing a serious interest in music for viols and other early bowed string instruments."

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Added on: Aug 05, 2007 | Hits: 1325

“ Solo-CD, Music by Carl Friedrich Abel ( www.hyperion-records.co.uk/al.asp?al=CDA67628 ), winner of Editor's Choice Gramophone Award 2008 .. .

Susanne Heinrich studied at the Meistersinger Conservatory of Nuremberg, and at the Frankfurt State Academy of Music, where she passed her recital diploma with the highest distinction. She was then granted the prestigious DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship to study with Wieland Kuijken at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. She has performed and recorded with many leading period-instrument ensembles of Europe, and has made over 15 recordings with the award-winning ensemble  “Charivari Agréable“. Susanne has been a member of the“Palladian Ensemble” (the “Palladians” from 2007) since 1994 and she has written for various journals, including “The Consort“, and  “Chelys“. Sought after as a teacher, her last position was Professor for Viols and Violone at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London; Susanne is now devoting some of her time to the chief editorship of  “Charivari Agréable Publications”. The revised New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians refers to her as one of the 'leading players' of this generation.“

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Added on: Apr 13, 2009 | Hits: 1325

"Gregorio Paniagua was born in Madrid. At 16,he was named Captain of the Real Madrid Junior Basketball team by coach P.Ferrandiz. Medical studies at the Complutense University and the Jiménez Diaz Foundation. Received his first lessons in painting from his grandmother Dña. María de Calderón-a pupil of Vicente Lopez-pupil of Goya. Violoncello at the Royal Conservatory under the cathedra of Don Ricardo Vivó. Viola da gamba with August Wenzinger, Director of Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Orchestral Direction under Maestro Sergiu Celibidache. An expert in ancient music and early instruments,particulary the vihuela-lute-hurdy gurdy, and viola da gamba. Founded ATRIVM MVSICAE de Madrid in 1964. In his private workshop,has reproduced musical instruments based on musicological researches into manuscripts-reliefs-sculptures-pottery and vase paitings from classical Greek to the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance & Barroco periods of Spain and Europe. Painting expositions in Madrid-Moxacar-Almeria-Valladolid-S.Lorenzo de El Escorial-Including a private exhibition at the Juana Mordó Art Gallery. As Director of ATRIVM MVSICAE, has performed in Europe-América-Asia and Australia. Frecuent Collaborator in ancient music courses in Spanish and international universities and guest soloist performer in auditoriums, temples, cathedrals, theatres and museums. His recordings have rated excellent reviews and achieved various awards, notably the Gold Record Award presented at the Japan International Art Festival,Tokyo 1971 for "Cantigas de Santa María- Alfonso X El Sabio". Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 1303

“Lutz Kirchhof devotes himself to the rediscovery of the lute and its music. As international well-known lute soloist he released numerous CD productions as an exclusive artist of SONY MUSIC.

In 1996, Lutz Kirchhof initiated the foundation of the German Association for Lute (DEUTSCHE LAUTENGESELLSCHAFT).“

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Added on: May 20, 2009 | Hits: 1303

The International Association of Harpists and Friends of the Harp. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 18, 2008 | Hits: 1298

“Born in Prague in 1969, Petr Wagner studied cello at the Prague Conservatoire with Josef Chuchro. This was followed by studies in musicology at Charles University in Prague and at Royal Holloway College at the University of London. There he was introduced to the viola da gamba by Richard Boothby, later continuing his development as a gamba player with Jaap ter Linden at the Akademie für alte Musik Dresden.

After having completed his studies in Dresden, Petr Wagner was invited to study with Wieland Kuijken at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague where he received the prestigious Uitvoerend Musicus solo diploma.

Petr has appeared at numerous European festivals (Festival d’Ile de France, Prague Spring Festival, Sopron Early Music Days, Mitte Europa Festival, Brežice Early Music Festival, Forum Musicum Wrocław), both as a soloist and continuo player, and collaborates with musicians such as Jacques Ogg, Shalev Ad-El, Mitzi Meyerson, Bruce Dickey, Brent Wissick, Miklós Spányi, Péter Szüts, Simon Standage, Ophira Zakai, Magdalena Kožená, Noémi Kiss, and ensembles such as Concerto Palatino, Orfeo Orchestra, Les Inégales Köln, Concerto Armonico Budapest and Oslo Baroque Soloists. ..“

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Added on: Jul 14, 2009 | Hits: 1295

“Harp Spectrum is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to gathering and sharing information about all kinds of harps and harp music. We are mainly composed of a group of harp players and harp music fans. Our article contributions come from harpists all over the world and we are continually seeking additional material.  ..“

There is a section on Historical Harp.

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Added on: May 03, 2010 | Hits: 1295

"After several years of freelancing, Angela, in 1979, acquired a baroque cello and became co-principal cello with the English Baroque Soloists under Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Since then she has become a well-known continuo players and concerto soloist with a number of baroque orchestras such as the Brandenburg Consort and the Gabrieli Consort. She has performed at La Scala, Milan, the Sydney Opera House, the Carnegie Hall, the Palace of Versailles, the Presidential Palace in Portugal and ancient ruins of Pompeii and Athens. She performed in Handel's birthplace (Halle, East Germany) on the tercentenary of his birth and in 1989 undertook a world tour visiting the USA, Australia, Japan, Taiwan ad Hong Kong. She also played Principal Cello in the first performance on original instruments at Glyndebourne with Sir Simon Rattle. Her performances have included many radio broadcasts, recordings and television appearances, notably for the Open University. She has contributed articles to Early Music Today magazine and has been awarded and ARAM for he distinguished services to the music profession.

As one of the early pioneers of historical performance practice, her enthusiasm extends beyond the conventional parameters of early music in to the nineteenth century. To this end from 1990-2006 she founded and directed the Revolutionary Drawing Room, a multi-instrumental ensemble with the Revolutionary String Quartet as its core. She has now handed this group over to the leader, Adrian Butterfield.

She is member of Red Priest, the surrealist and theatrical baroque ensemble with Piers Adams (recorder). This group performs about 70 concerts annually, all over the world. It has founded its own recording company, Red Priest Recordings." Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 1289

“An internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Tim Rayborn has been active in the fields of world and early music for nearly 20 years. He plays dozens of musical instruments from medieval Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia, including: lutes, plucked strings, flutes,
and percussion, as well as being a singer.

Tim lived in the UK for seven years, studying for his M.A. and Ph.D. in medieval studies at the University of Leeds. He concurrently worked as a musician, performing and recording.

He has toured the U.S. and Europe extensively (from Ireland to Turkey), performing with the London-based medieval group Tintagel, and his own group, Ensemble Florata (including concerts at the York and Beverley Early Music Festivals, Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium, Bunyola in Majorca, and the Spitalfields Festival in London). He has given a number of performances for BBC (in the UK and Jersey), appeared on Belgian classical radio in a live concert broadcast, toured in Canada and Australia, and worked with folk musicians in Marrakech and Istanbul. He has also taught at the San Francisco Early Music Society Medieval/Renaissance summer workshop.  …“

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Added on: Feb 07, 2011 | Hits: 1284

"Mike Parker is a harpist and musicologist who initially studied instrument building at the London College of Furniture, building and restoring 'early' and folk harps. His repertoire covers many styles of music from 'early' and folk styles through baroque and classical and into the world of 'light music' and pop.

He is the only Englishman to have been awarded Olamh Sui (Doctorate) by the Institute of Traditional Celtic Music, which was awarded for his work relating to the historical usage of the harp in the Celtic nations. He researches all aspects of the historical harp and modern folk music, resulting in a collection of 23 harps (with 2 more under construction) to enable him to use the most appropriate instrument and technique for each type of music.

Mike Parker completed an MMus in Performance & Related Studies in 2003 on the single action harp, at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

A specialist on the development technique and repertoire of the single action harp (1770-1825) and he has written a book, 'Child of pure harmony' on this subject. The solo recording 'A twist of the rope' [JNL CD1] is available in larger UK music stores and features Celtic music from the last 900 years played on 5 harps. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 18, 2008 | Hits: 1279

"The Swedish Guitar and Lute Society, SGLS was founded 1968 by Jörgen Rörby. It is a non-profit organization open to all those interested in guitar and lute. A magazine is published four times a year, Gitarr och Luta. The SGLS arranges a course (Liten Gitarrakademi) every year with well known guitar and lute personalities as guest teachers. The Society works towards qualified guitar and lute playing and supports ensembles in varioes ways in Sweden. The SGLS has many members in differents countries and strives for broad international contact. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2008 | Hits: 1278

"Manuel Minguillón was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. He obtained his bachelor degree in guitar performance from the Conservatorio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial where he studied with Gerardo Arriaga. Captivated by the music of the Renaissance, he continued his studies in Early Plucked Instruments at the Conservatorio de Arturo Soria, in Madrid, with Jesús Sanchez. Subsequently, Minguillón studied in Seville with Juan Carlos Rivera at the Conservatory Manuel Castillo, and thereafter perfected his skills under the guidance of master lutenist Hopkinson Smith in Basel, Switzerland. In 2005 he completed a Master's Degree in Lute and Early Plucked Instruments with the world renowned lutenist Paul O'Dette at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York where he is currently completing a Doctorate in Musical Arts. Since 2004 he has served as Professor O'Dette's primary teaching assistant for lute at the Eastman School. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 03, 2008 | Hits: 1267

"Voixhumaines is the alias of Ralph Rousseau Meulenbroeks, a successful Dutch soloist on the viola da gamba or bass viol. Ralph performs in solo and ensemble settings, giving solo concerts thoughout and outside Europe.

"Les Voix Humaines" is a famous piece by the renowned French viola da gamba player and composer Marin Marais (1656-1728). It is also the name used to envelope professional musical activities of Ralph Rousseau Meulenbroeks. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 23, 2008 | Hits: 1267

“One of America’s leading baroque violinists, Robert Mealy has been praised for his “imagination, taste, subtlety, and daring” by the Boston Globe; the New Yorker recently called him “New York’s world-class early music violinist.” He has recorded over 50 CDs of early music on most major labels, ranging from Hildegard of Bingen with Sequentia, to Renaissance consorts with the Boston Camerata, to Rameau operas with Les Arts Florissants. At home in New York, he is a frequent leader and soloist with the New York Collegium, Early Music New York, the Clarion Society, and the ARTEK early music ensemble. ”

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Added on: Sep 17, 2011 | Hits: 1263

“Annette Otterstedt 

I should have invented the lyra viol if Frank Traficante had not discovered it for me beforehand. I was very young yet when I asked my teacher Johannes Koch to tell me about scordaturas for the viol. The only instance he knew was tuning the bottom string to C. I was disappointed, since I had already marked down the viol with its six strings as ideally suited for chordal play and various tunings. So I was not surprised when, browsing through my doctoral supervisor's (Carl Dahlhaus's) library, I came across a 'Musica Britannica' volume containing works by William Lawes, among them a suite for three lyra viols. There was the instrument to fill the gap. ..“

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Added on: Jul 14, 2009 | Hits: 1262

"Marc Lewon specialises in medieval instruments of the lute family and medieval Germanic languages and literature. After gaining a Master's degree in musicology and medieval German from Heidelberg University (Germany), he moved to Basel to further his practical music studies in the Medieval Department of the Schola Cantorum. There he studied lute with Crawford Young, vielle with Randall Cook and singing with Kathleen Dineen. In 2006 he completed his diploma in medieval lute, graduating with honours. In 2007 he will conclude his studies in medieval fiddle and publish a facsimile edition of the fragmentary ”Frankfurt-Neidhart Manuscript” (c1300) containing early minnesang melodies.

He plays regularly with a number of ensembles including Freiburger Spielleyt, Dulce Melos, and Le Basile and is head of the project ensemble ”Leones”. Besides being a busy performer, he gives courses in medieval music and publishes articles and editions on the subject. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 19, 2008 | Hits: 1260

"Born in Holland in 1961 and after his cello studies Coen Engelhard is living in France, where he learns to play the viola da gamba and how to make them.

In Foix (Pyrenees) he discovered an unknown manuscript of viola da gamba music which he has revived. The CD ‘Le Manuscrit de Foix’ is part of this adventure.

Since 1996 Coen has been teaching viola da gamba at the Conservatory of Toulouse. He is an appreciated gamba soloist in Bach's Passions and is leader of Consortoulouse. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 04, 2008 | Hits: 1260

Federation of Viola da Gamba Societies.

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Added on: Jul 11, 2009 | Hits: 1260