Meet some of the players in our Ensemble. All of our players are experts in their field, specialising in historical performance. The instruments they play are a little bit different to the instruments that you normally might hear in a modern orchestra. They are often referred to as ‘period’ instruments. Take a look at each player's profile and learn a bit about the instruments they play.

WHAT IS A PERIOD INSTRUMENT?

A period instrument is a musical instrument crafted in the way that it would have been in certain periods of history, such as the Baroque or Classical eras. The sound created by these instruments is a little bit different to the sound of a ‘modern’ instrument, and offers a window into the past, providing performers and audiences with an experience and soundscape that is closer to what the composers of the time were familiar with.

There are many small differences in the setup and construction of the instruments that affect the sound. This includes the use of gut strings (rather than metal), antique bows that are lighter than modern bows and allow a different attack to the string, cellos held with legs rather than an end pin, no chin rests on violins or violas, wooden flutes, oboes and bassoons rather than metal and keyless brass instruments known as natural trumpets and horns.

We love playing these instruments as we feel it brings the music of the baroque and classical periods to life in a unique way.