Susanne Heinrich: A Masterful Performer and Educator
Susanne Heinrich is renowned for her compelling performances and is widely recognized as one of the leading viola da gamba (viol) players of her generation. Born in 1969 and raised in southwest Germany, she has firmly engraved her name on the heart of modern art, drawing praise from critics and audiences alike for her passionate interpretation and meticulous performances.
Education and Training
Heinrich studied at the Meistersinger Conservatory of Nuremberg and at the Frankfurt State Academy of Music, where she graduated with highest distinction. She was awarded a DAAD scholarship to continue her studies with renowned violist Wieland Kuijken at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague.
Career Highlights
Heinrich has performed and recorded with premier period-instrument ensembles in Europe, such as the English Concert, Taverner Consort, King's Consort, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Parley of Instruments. She is a founding member of the award-winning group Charivari Agréable and was a key member of the Palladian Ensemble. She has held teaching positions at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and is sought after as a teacher and lecturer, with numerous journal contributions. She has also worked in music publishing and is now involved in the chief editorship of Charivari Agréable Publications.
Notable Performances and Projects
The headline performance, Tobias Hume's 'Passion & Division - The First Part of Ayres: Captain Hume's Musicall Humors (1605)' is a masterpiece that marries richness of sound with precise technique. This captivating piece perfectly encapsulates Heinrich's ability to stir emotions, as well as her prowess with delicate touch and vivid musical storytelling.
An additional highlight in her repertoire, 'Mr Abel's Fine Airs,' is a beautiful evocation of Abel’s skill as a musician. Mr Abel's Fine Airs is a demonstration of Heinrich's virtuosity and her affinity for Abel’s music. This collection praises Heinrich's exploration of Abel's compositions with grace and sensibility, showcasing her adaptability across different styles and periods.
Presenting an addition to the 'English Orpheus 46' series, 'The Noble Bass Viol,' Heinrich once again shares her skill and passion for the viol. The album is heavily influenced by the English baroque style and Heinrich manages to effortlessly transport listeners to another time and place through the power of her performance.
In conclusion, Susanne Heinrich's works pay tribute to her undoubted mastery, technical prowess, and boundless musical imagination. This showcase on STAGE+ offers the listener a fascinating musical journey that is a testament to the power, poise, and personality of this extraordinary artist.