Camerata Trajectina: The Sound of the City

The Domstad breathes chamber music – and has been for longer than you think! Since 1628, a number of notables ( who were also developed music amateurs) met in the city hall, in a room which had been provided by the city council. Every week they played the chamber music of the time period. It was a serious affair: those who did not show up could expect a fine. On 1 January 1631, they officially established a ‘collegium musicum instrumentale’. The public concerts were so popular that they had to find bigger spaces; from the town hall to the Brigittenklooster and later to the Mariaplaats.

What was on the lectern then? Camerata Trajectina delved into the archives and found an extensive inventory of the Collegium Library. They compiled a beautiful playlist anno 1657; the most beautiful and best chamber music from all over Europe. The International Chamber Music Festival Utrecht celebrates its 20th anniversary – what a great opportunity to look even further back in time with ambition.

Artists: Lidewij van der Voort (violin), Saskia Coolen (recorder & viola da gamba), Cassandra Luckhardt (viola da gamba), Constance Allanic (harp & viola da gamba), Arjen Verhage (lute & baroque guitar)