The new independent baroque orchestra

Harmony of Nations is a period-instrument orchestra of young musicians from all over Europe, specialising in the music of the Baroque era. They got to know each other during the year they spent touring as members of the European Union Baroque Orchestra (EUBO), and decided that the experience was too rewarding for it not to continue.

While with EUBO, the musicians performed under the direction of some of the finest Baroque musicians in Europe: Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Ton Koopman and Andrew Manze. They gave concerts all over Europe including Paris, London, Prague and Amsterdam, playing music ranging from Biber, Purcell and Charpentier, to Bach, Telemann, Handel, Rameau and Zelenka. They also made a recording of the Handel cantata Ero e Leandro with the Polish soprano Iwona Sobotka, First Prize Winner Laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition of Belgium, 2004. Rehearsing and touring in such a concentrated way gave their playing a depth and energy that they carry forward into the new independent orchestra.

The 20 founding members of the orchestra come from 14 different nations: Austria, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales. Many have also lived and studied in countries other than their own. It is this incredible diversity of cultural heritage and musical experience that gives Harmony of Nations its unique character, and a vivacity that echoes the hectic pace of modern European life while simultaneously reigniting a common musical heritage.

“I enjoyed very much their concentration, their technical level and the intensity and flexibility of their music making as well as the very creative work-atmosphere created by the players. […] I wish them a huge and very well deserved success.”

Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Harpsichordist and Artistic Director of EUBO and Concerto Copenhagen

“I have worked with them for two weeks and found them enormously motivated and talented. […] I wish them all the best of luck for the future.”

Ton Koopman
Organist and Founder of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir

“2004 witnessed the birth of an extraordinary ensemble. The EUBO has produced orchestras of a high standard for twenty years now, but that of 2004 was different. It has become the aptly named Harmony of Nations. There is no commercial opportunism or one ambitious musician at the heart of this, as is so often the case, but a well-tempered collection of personalities from fourteen different countries, a group of talented, like-minded young musicians who are driven by their own pure enthusiasm. This brave new way deserves our support and every success.”

Andrew Manze
Violinist and Artistic Director of the English Concert