VDB's 2026 Baroque Academy provides the perfect opportunity for both experienced and developing musicians of period instruments to work on 17th and 18th Century music in an academy-style education setting.

In classic VDB style, the Academy will combine excellence in historically informed performance (HIP) with a fun, casual and supportive environment, designed to build confidence as well as develop advanced HIP knowledge and experience.

The Academy activities include opportunities for ensemble playing, technical studies, masterclasses, and HIP lectures and demonstrations. The sessions and masterclasses will be suitable for players ranging from advanced students through to professional performers seeking specialist instruction.

Key Dates

Monday 23 February | Registrations close 
Friday 6 March | Welcome event & Tutors Concert
Saturday 7 - Monday 9 March | Academy including Participant's Concert on Monday 9 March

Tutors

Julia Fredersdorff - Artistic Director and Baroque violin 

Karina Schmitz - Baroque viola/violin

Laura Vaughan - viola da gamba / continuo

Simon Martyn-Ellis - lute / theorbo / basso continuo

Simon Rickard - Baroque bassoon / historical dance / continuo

Donald Nicolson - harpsichord / basso continuo