Tracing EUBO’s backstory – part II

September 19, 2024 - INSIGHTS
Insights from key moments in EUBO's existence in conversation with our visionary founder Paul James.

We continue our conversation with Paul James, by looking back on the key moments in EUBO’s history. We also discuss the profound impact and significance membership has had on the over 900 baroque musicians who have been part of the ensemble.

Read part two of the interview

A Baroque Affair with Lisa Moroko

September 11, 2024 - INSIGHTS
Meet Lisa Moroko, a talented harpsichord player from Italy who is attracted to the improvisational elements of Baroque music.

She graduated in 2023 with honours at the Conservatory of Vicenza after which she joined EUBO. Lisa grew up to non-classical sounds—her father being a reggae musician—her musical taste spans wide beyond Baroque, embracing Soul, Neosoul, R&B, Bossa Nova, Pop, and Motown. Drawn to the improvisational aspect in Baroque music, she has now collaborated closely with harpsichordists Francesco Corti and Claudio Astronio at EUBO’s project in Belgium and most recently in Italy. She is also a founding member of the Chroma Baroque Ensemble and has performed with La Risonanza led by harpsichordist Fabio Bonizzoni.

What attracts you in Baroque Music?
Baroque music has captured my soul with its rhetorical language. I love the balance between written music and improvisation, and the unique sensation that comes from musicians communicating through it, making each performance one-of-a-kind.

What do you expect from your EUBO journey?
The EUBO experience is to me the ideal setting to advance my musical knowledge, broaden my understanding of the technical aspects of playing, and polish my interpretation of the remarkable Baroque era.

What do you value most in your fellow-musicians or desk partner?
In connecting with fellow musicians who share my passion for ancient music, I aim to analyse its essence more deeply and grow together as musicians. 

How has it been so far to be part of EUBO?
This experience has allowed me to grow in many ways. Not only has it helped me mature musically, but it has also helped me  build deep friendships, and given me greater self-esteem and confidence. Unexpectedly, I’ve also had the chance to develop management skills I didn’t expect to acquire. Traveling between countries has broadened my worldview, allowing me to discover different cultures and see things from new and enriching perspectives.

Thinking of EUBO, which three words spring to mind?
musical growth, synergy, accuracy

What gadget, tool or accessory is indispensable for you?
Having my harpsichord close is as essential as being with my loved ones—and equally important is enjoying good food!

 

Tracing EUBO’s backstory

June 27, 2024 - INSIGHTS
Insights from EUBO's early beginnings in conversation with our visionary founder Paul James.

We’ve had an in-depth conversation with Paul James, the visionary founder of EUBO. Following our relaunch under the management and tutelage of the Icons foundation, we’re delighted Paul remains actively engaged in our ongoing activities as an artistic advisor. With EUBO’s inception dating back to 1985 under his leadership, we sat down with Paul to tell us more about those early days.

 Read the first part of the interview

Award News!

June 6, 2024 - NEWS
EUBO has been awarded the Business Innovator of the Year Award from the European Early Music Network (REMA). This recognition celebrates Fondazione ICONS’ successful relaunch of EUBO.

We can’t thank ICONS enough for their firm support, philanthropic vision and commitment in advancing talented young players of period instruments and shaping a sustainable future for Early Music.

The REMA Awards are organised every two years to spotlight projects that showcase the vision and versatility of today’s Early Music sector. The award was accepted by our Artistic Programming Secretary, Susanna Bucher, at REMA’s annual General Assembly held this year in Stockholm, where early music professionals from across Europe gathered.

We share this recognition with our musical twin, Theresia Orchestra, also under the loving care of ICONS.

Thank you to REMA and the expert jury for the Professional Collaboration category: Stéphane Segreto-Aguilar of Circostrada, María del Ser Guillén of Radio Clásica (RTVE), and Jan De Winne of Passacaille Records.

Announcing EUBO’s Summer 2024 projects

April 16, 2024 - NEWS
We proudly present our summer agenda with three delightful Baroque projects and concerts in Italy, Belgium and a much-anticipated return to Germany.

Gottfried Von der Goltz leads EUBO through musical extravagance and exoticism for a residency in Malborghetto at the Risonanze Festival in Northern Italy in June 2024. Claudio Astronio highlights Bach’s brilliance in ‘Father and Son’ Bach at the Antiqua Festival in Bolzano, Italy, August 2024. And Alfredo Bernardini celebrates Telemann and Bach’s diversity in ‘In Blending Styles’ during a residency at Kloster Michaelstein in September, marking EUBO’s return to Germany since its relaunch. Join us for an unforgettable summer of Baroque music!

Check out all concert dates.

Or take a closer look in our 2024 Yearbook.

A Baroque Affair with María Hernández Galán

March 26, 2024 - INSIGHTS
Meet María Hernández Galán, a talented violinist from Spain eager to explore opportunities and gain experiences beyond her home country. 

The Toledo born violinist graduated from the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Castilla la Mancha in 2020 and perfected her chamber music playing under the guidance of the Casals Quartet. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Music Bachelor at the Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Castellon. She is a founding member of the period instrument group Antóda Ensemble and plays with the Camerata de Castilla-La Mancha.

What attracts you in Baroque Music?
Mainly the music itself, and also the free atmosphere that has been created around it, is what inspires me in playing Baroque music.

Where do you draw inspiration from outside of music?
Poetry and photography are two things in which I find a lot of inspiration.

Thinking of EUBO, which three words spring to mind?
Teamwork, friendship and experience.

What do you expect from your EUBO journey?
I hope to learn lots of music, meet people from all over Europe and make my way in the professional world.

What do you value most in your fellow-musicians or desk partner?
What matters to me in playing with others, is the energy and drive they bring to our work together.

Who are your favourite baroque musicians?
Sigiswald Kuijken and La Petite Bande, Rachel Podger, Chiara Banchini and Enrico Onofri

What gadget, tool or accessory is indispensable for you?
Headphones to listen to music at any time

What’s currently on your playlist?
Orchestral suites by Bach, some music by Caldara and Dornel, songs by Lori Meyers, The Lumineers, Cariño, Queen…