Sophie Gent (violin), Lucinda Moon (violin), Genesis Baroque
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Arcangelo Corelliis one of the great composers of the Baroque era, a trailblazer who forever changed the relationship between soloist and orchestra, and did much to establish the violin as the star of the orchestra. He is considered the ‘father’ of the concerto grosso – apiece for several soloists accompanied by an orchestra – and his seminal Opus 6 volume became the benchmark for his contemporaries, including Handel, Vivaldi and Geminiani.
Here, one of Melbourne’s premier early music ensembles, Genesis Baroque,brings these extraordinary works to life with great energy and enthusiasm. Adding to the uniqueness of the occasion, not only is this the ensemble’s first studio recording, but it is also the first complete recording of these works by an Australian orchestra.
In this recording, the ensemble is led by consummate expatriate violinist Sophie Gent, who returned to Australia for the first time in many years to perform with Lucinda Moon as co-directors and soloists. Both musicians are notable for their nuanced, elegant approach and creative flair, and will enchant listeners through the sublime colours and conversations of Corelli’s masterworks.
Genesis Baroque was founded in 2017 by Baroque violinist and artistic director, Jennifer Kirsner, and are led by renowned Baroque violinist, Lucinda Moon. Based in Melbourne, the ensemble is comprised of some of Australia’s finest historically informed musicians and presents an exploration of the spontaneity, excitement and contemporary richness of music from the 17th and 18th centuries. The ensemble is fast developing a reputation as one of the country’s finest, with a particular capacity for emotive, vibrant performances that connect closely with their audiences.
Sophie Gent was born in Perth, Western Australia. After completing a Bachelor’s degree she pursued further studies at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague with Ryo Terakado, completing her Master’s degree with distinction in 2005. In 2002 she was awarded first prize in two chamber music competitions: the International Van Wassenaer Competition (The Netherlands) and the International Premio Bonporti Concours (Italy), with the ensemble Opera Quarta. Their first recording, of trio sonatas by Jean-Marie Leclair, was awarded a Diapason d’Or in July 2007. Sophie is active as a soloist and chamber musician, performing and recording frequently as concertmaster with the Ricercar Consort, Il Gardellino, Capriccio Stravagante, Les Muffatti, Ensemble Masques and also as a member of the period instrument string quartet Mito dell’Arco, based in Japan. She was appointed Professor of Baroque violin at the Amsterdam Conservatorium in 2011 and regularly coaches chamber music at the Early Music Department Conservatorium in Antwerp.
With over 25 years performance and recording experience, Lucinda Moon is a highly respected and sought-after Baroque violinist. After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Lucinda travelled to The Netherlands to study Baroque violin with Sigiswald Kuijken at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague. On her return to Australia she was appointed as concertmaster of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra; a position she held from 1995 until 2008, and with whom she recorded extensively as concertmaster and soloist. Lucinda now performs and records in Australia with the Elysium Ensemble, Accademia Arcadia, Latitude 37 and Van Diemen’s Band. Lucinda joined Genesis Baroque as Musical Director and concertmaster at the group’s inception in 2017.