A new artistic chapter: Lars Ulrik Mortensen

“What made EUBO so unique, and still does, is the way it was organised. It’s vastly different from most other projects you’d typically encounter as a professional: with EUBO, the ensemble was completely renewed every year. That meant the challenge for both the players and everyone else involved was to very quickly build a musical and social identity with that specific group. That really changes a lot in the way you work. Usually, in this world, you work long-term, you build up an ensemble over time. But with EUBO, you had to figure out, very fast, what the strengths of this year’s players were.

But what the project demanded was enormous openness and flexibility. You had to be very responsive to how the ensemble worked, both musically and socially. For me, that was one of the most joyful aspects of the experience – bridging gaps, creating mutual understanding. Not necessarily playing with people you always agree with, but instead creating a common space that includes everyone. That’s something that matters not just in music, but in all aspects of life.

Another fascinating part was observing and balancing the different levels of experience players brought with them. Before they even arrived, I was always curious: where do these young Baroque musicians come from? What have they been exposed to? What are their influences? It gave me insight into where the Early Music world was headed. I’ve been involved with EUBO since 1989, first as a tutor, then gradually taking on more responsibility, and finally becoming Musical Director in 2004.

Looking back, I can honestly say it has been one of the most joyful and satisfying experiences of my entire career. And there are so many side memories and anecdotes. If I had to choose just one to share, it would have to be what we call the “Dubrovnik shock”. We were in Croatia, having some time off, and we went swimming among the rocks. One of our oboe players picked something up from the seabed, first with one hand and then another with the other hand, which turned out to be sea urchins, those little things with spikes all over them. I think we had to cancel the concert because he had to have them surgically removed”.

Lars Ulrik Mortensen