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ENSEMBLE INFO

Ensemble Contact:

Email:

v.eggensberger@googlemail.com

2025

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

We are planning a summer concert project at Exeter College Chapel in Oxford, where we will develop and present a new programme and combine the performance with a professional audio and video recording.
As an emerging ensemble at an early stage of our career, we are currently building our artistic profile and professional presence. High-quality recordings are essential for us – both to create a strong online portfolio and to share compelling promotional material with presenters, festivals, and concert organisers. In today’s musical landscape, a professional digital presence has become crucial for visibility and sustainable career development.
The Oxford concert is already planned to generate initial funds for promotion through ticket sales. However, even if we forgo our performance fees, the income does not allow us to invest in the level of recording quality we believe is necessary to represent our work professionally. Support from the Continuo Foundation would enable us to expand the project and to work with a professional sound and video engineer to ensure excellent results. This will significantly strengthen our future opportunities.
The project will include two rehearsal days, one dedicated recording day, and the concert performance itself. It is scheduled for the summer (likely July), when the chapel is available outside term time, allowing the flexibility required for the recording and performance. The chapel offers an architecturally and acoustically outstanding setting for our project.
Artistically, we are committed to bringing lesser-known repertoire into the spotlight alongside established works. The programme will feature trio sonatas by William Corbett and Antonio Luigi Baldassini, works that have not yet been recorded.
The final output will include:
– a professional video&audio recording of one complete sonata
– shorter video clips for social media
– a teaser trailer for the programme
– a set of artist photographs
These materials will help us promote the programme to venues and festivals, develop new partnerships, and reach wider audiences. With our artistic roots and networks spanning the UK, Germany, and Italy, this portfolio will support us in expanding our activities and touring opportunities across the UK and Europe.

Ardour Baroque is a young London-based baroque ensemble, formally established in 2025 by Royal Academy of Music alumni. The group consists of Verena Eggensberger and Simone Pirri, who first connected through their teacher Rachel Podger. They have known Jacob Garside and Luke Mitchell through various musical contexts in London and decided a few months ago to formally establish the ensemble. Although the ensemble has not yet given a public concert, we have held several rehearsal sessions and are planning our first official performance in the coming spring. With encouragement from Tina Vadaneaux, we are submitting this application despite our current lack of public performances.
Artistically, Ardour Baroque seeks to explore a repertoire that balances well-known repertoire with lesser-known works, bringing overlooked pieces back into the spotlight. Driven by curiosity and vibrant musical energy, the ensemble’s playing is marked by expressive depth and a vivid sense of dialogue, inviting audiences to experience baroque music as immediate, engaging, and alive.

Verena studied at the HMT München and the RAM in London, where she completed a Professional Diploma and has been awarded a fellowship for the 2025/26 academic year. She recently performed as a soloist, including Bach’s A minor Violin Concerto and Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, and appeared at the Brecon Baroque Festival alongside Rachel Podger. She has held scholarships with Hofkapelle München, il gusto barocco, Holland Baroque, and the OAE Experience Scheme, and regularly performs with ensembles such as La Serenissima, Hassler Consort, and Concerto München.
Simone is a prize-winning baroque violinist. Recent highlights include an solo recital in Padua with the Christophe Rousset. He studied in Pescara, London, Cardiff, and Verona, and has received awards including First Prize at the “Tartini ad Ancona” Competition, as well as prizes at the Premio Bonporti and the José Herrando Competition. He collaborates regularly with Apollo’s Cabinet, Mozaique, Ensemble Diderot, Jupiter, and Holland Baroque, and is co-founder of the US-based Hudson Baroque.
Jacob studied at the University of Bristol, the RAM, and the RCM London, and completed a Konzertexamen in viola da gamba at the HMT Köln. He performs regularly in chamber and orchestral contexts and co-founded The Hampstead Collective. He is also active in contemporary and cross-disciplinary projects, and has performed with English Touring Opera, La Serenissima, the English Concert, and the OAE Education Orchestra.
Luke is a prize-winning harpsichordist, organist, and conductor. He has performed as soloist and continuo player in recital and festival contexts, and is currently completing postgraduate studies in Historical Performance at the RAM. He is Assistant Director of Music at St. Marylebone Parish Church and directs The Duke’s Consort, having led productions including four Brandenburg Concerti at the Marylebone Festival.