WHAT WE DO
Monteverdi String Band is dedicated to celebrating the sound and style of the early violin consort, in both well-established repertoire and innovative new programmes. Our instruments are carefully chosen: they are modelled on originals from the early decades of the 17th century, rather than the 18th century, when developments which led the violin away from its origins as a consort instrument transformed its sound into something perhaps more brilliant but less rich and grounded. We relish the sound of pure gut strings in equal tension; this and the use of matching instruments brings a unique sound to the ensemble: as one critic wrote, 'The MSB’s sound is quite unlike any that of any other ensemble I know that plays this music'.
We very much enjoy bringing our expertise to well-known works such as the operas of Monteverdi and Cavalli, or the iconic 1610 Vespers; we have also created a number of original programmes, ranging in scale from chamber programmes to full scale staged productions, in which we take inspiration from the wider cultural milieu. Featured themes (musical and non-musical) include Galileo, madrigals, swordsmanship, ornamentation and poetry. Programme details can be found on our PROGRAMMES page.
The pandemic in 2020 forced several postponements, but also allowed us to develop some new programmes, including The Madrigal Reimagined, due for release on Resonus Classics in June 2024, as well as launch our MSB in focus series, which was the subject of our first CD recording, Con Arte e Maestria, released on Resonus in 2021 to considerable critical acclaim.
We very much enjoy bringing our expertise to well-known works such as the operas of Monteverdi and Cavalli, or the iconic 1610 Vespers; we have also created a number of original programmes, ranging in scale from chamber programmes to full scale staged productions, in which we take inspiration from the wider cultural milieu. Featured themes (musical and non-musical) include Galileo, madrigals, swordsmanship, ornamentation and poetry. Programme details can be found on our PROGRAMMES page.
The pandemic in 2020 forced several postponements, but also allowed us to develop some new programmes, including The Madrigal Reimagined, due for release on Resonus Classics in June 2024, as well as launch our MSB in focus series, which was the subject of our first CD recording, Con Arte e Maestria, released on Resonus in 2021 to considerable critical acclaim.
BOOKING MSB
Please contact us by email to enquire about booking the ensemble, or use the form on the contact us page.
Any of our stand-alone programmes can be booked for festivals and concert series. We can also consider requests for specific repertoire or themes. Costings and full programme details available on request; smaller scale programmes can be found on our MSB IN FOCUS page.
For larger projects, ranging from Monteverdi's Vespers to the Bach Passions, MSB can be engaged either:
Any of our stand-alone programmes can be booked for festivals and concert series. We can also consider requests for specific repertoire or themes. Costings and full programme details available on request; smaller scale programmes can be found on our MSB IN FOCUS page.
For larger projects, ranging from Monteverdi's Vespers to the Bach Passions, MSB can be engaged either:
- as the string band
- to curate the instrumental team, including wind, brass, and continuo as necessary