Why did you start playing the lute and theorbo?
These instruments evoke such a rich and beautiful palette of imagery which I found really enticing as a teenager. They are visually striking and also crafted very delicately which are attributes that really attracted me.
How often do you play?
I play every day! It is one of my favourite ways to just disconnect from everything.
Can you share a favourite video or song with us?
This is the final moment of Monteverdi’s opera “L’Incoronazione di Poppea” with no less than three theorbos and a baroque guitar! After listening to this for the first time, I was convinced that this was music I wanted to live and breathe for a long time, at least for now! Hope you enjoy!
How could I get started playing the lute and theorbo?
If you are interested in playing the lute and the theorbo; the Lute Society of England has a very affordable hire fee for lots of different good quality instruments as well as great resources for beginners. That is how I started!
What is your favourite sound to make?
There are many ways I love to use my lutes but I am particularly attached to the theorbo’s warm, gentle and deliciously grainy soft plucked chords!
What is your favourite music to play?
I feel most at home when playing with singers or instrumentalists such as violinists. When playing the theorbo, I must say, that it doesn’t get much better for me than playing the operas and madrigals of Claudio Monteverdi.