"Quatorze pays tribute to the musicians who once graced the court of King Louis XIV, celebrating the rich tradition of French Baroque music. Based in Sydney, Australia, our ensemble is a dynamic collective of musicians dedicated to performing on period instruments, bringing history to life through authentic sound. Our ensemble is centered around two Baroque flutes and a Baroque oboe, forming the core of our sound. However, we frequently collaborate with other Baroque musicians, bringing a rich variety of textures and interpretations to our performances."
Tickets are now open for our next Pegs feast of French food and music commencing 5:30 on Saturday 5th July in Newcastle.
We are delighted to announce that tickets are now open for our next Pegs feast of French food and music commencing 5:30pm on Saturday 5th July in Newcastle.
Ruth and Phil will take you on a Christmassy journey back to the courts of Versailles during the reign of King Louis XIV. At this time the new traverso flutes were all the rage, as were pieces inspired by nature. Amongst the elegant airs and dances of the time, you will hear music inspired by birds, and even touches of bird song, along with some lilting French noels which would have been performed for the King.
All of this will be intertwined with a French Christmas feast to die for. So tell your friends and family, book a table for this magical night and we look forward to seeing you there!
We began our musical journey together around five years ago under the name Sydney Baroque Players, a testament to our shared passion for baroque music. However, in 2022, we decided to rename our ensemble to better reflect our dedication to French Baroque music, thus Quatorze was born.
Phil and Ruth, who originally honed their skills on modern flutes, were captivated by the enchanting sounds of historic flutes, leading them to immerse themselves in their study and performance. Similarly, Fiona, a lifelong modern oboe player, discovered her love for the baroque oboe upon attending a mesmerizing concert by the Canadian group Tafelmusik.
In Quatorze, we delve into the rich and varied repertoire of French Baroque, constantly exploring its different facets and nuances. Our commitment to baroque music extends beyond our ensemble; we actively participate in other baroque groups, notably the Sydney Cantata Project, where we delight in playing Bach cantatas.
Our passion for historic instruments and baroque music drives us to continually evolve and deepen our understanding, bringing the beauty and elegance of French Baroque to audiences far and wide.
Quatorze is a baroque ensemble dedicated to the exquisite artistry of French music from the reign of King Louis XIV. Inspired by iconic composers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully, François Couperin, André Philidor, and Jacques Hotteterre, the ensemble brings their compositions to life with authentic period instruments. Anchored by two baroque flutes (traversos) and a baroque oboe, Quatorze often collaborates with singers and basso continuo players to create rich and textured performances. The basso continuo typically features harpsichord, theorbo, or viol da gamba, adding depth to their sound. Tuning to A392 pitch, the ensemble cherishes the mellow, gentle tones that perfectly embody the elegance of French baroque music.
At Margaretta Cottage in Glebe, Sydney, Quatorze creates an intimate escape into the elegance of French Baroque music. These cozy concerts, performed on period instruments at the serene A392 pitch, captivate audiences with their gentle, soothing tones. The charm of the baroque flutes, oboe, and sometimes the harpsichord, theorbo, or viol da gamba, transports listeners to a tranquil, bygone era. Guests often describe the experience as a calming journey, perfect for unwinding. After an hour of exquisite music, the setting transitions seamlessly into a social gathering, where light refreshments and warm conversation enhance the sense of connection. It’s truly an enchanting way to spend an afternoon or evening.
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If you are interested in having your own house concert contact either Ruth or Fiona.
Ruth and Phil rehearsing with Sydney Cantata Project
Do you have questions, want to book a concert, or collaborate on a new project? Reach out, we would love to hear from you.
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