Czech Mate Program

Artists

Australian Jane Gower, principal bassoonist of many leading European historical instrument ensembles, has long collaborated with the Danish harpsichordist and conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen, beacon of the Early Music movement.

Since she joined his orchestra Concerto Copenhagen in 2002 they have regularly toured Australia as chamber music partners of recorder player Genevieve Lacey. A shared passion is the music of the early Baroque, which they have recorded and performed extensively with trio of dulcian, violin and harpsichord.

Jane’s long-held fierce desire to expand the repertoire by a second violin led her to dear friend and colleague Helena Zemanová. Helena is the charismatic leader and solo violin of Czech ensemble Collegium 1704, founded by Václav Luks. She is also a frequent performer across southern Europe with groups including Gli Incogniti and L’Onda Armonica. Since Lars Ulrik guest-directed Collegium 1704, Helena has often expressed her wish to partner with him in chamber music.

When considering the perfect compliment to her Czech mate, Jane could look no further than her homeland of Australia, and the violinist Julia Fredersdorff. Like Jane, Julia also made the pilgrimage to study at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague and built a successful European career. However it was only upon her return to Australia and her foundation of the wildly acclaimed Van Diemen’s Band that Jane encountered her. Bowled over by Julia’s beautiful sound, expressive depth and wisdom, Jane knew she’d found the perfect missing piece.

Thus CzechMate is an intersection of histories, experiences and cultures, richly intertwining in the equally multi-faceted music of the early baroque.