The ensemble

The Balthazar Ensemble wind quintet was established in 1999; it performs classical and early romantic wind music on the instruments for which the music was originally composed. All the members specialize in early music performance, and play on historical instruments or modern copies.

The ensemble has performed in venues ranging from the Noorderkerk church in Amsterdam to Dussum Castle, and inaugurated the Mengalzaal at the Ghent Conservatorium.

Individually Balthazar's members perform (in some cases on instruments they have built themselves) with the world's leading orchestras, early and otherwise, and ensembles — Freiburger Barockorchester, The Academy of Ancient Music, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Musica ad Rhenum, Les Talens Lyriques, Radio Symfonie Orkest, Nachtmusique, Zefiro, Concerto Köln, La Grande Ecurie and Europa Galante.

Balthazar Ensemble offers you a fresh and sparkling interpretation of the works of well known composers — Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Rossini, without neglecting the output of their less well known contemporaries, Danzi, Mengal, Reicha and Gebauer, which deserve once more to be placed in the spotlight.

The unique sounds of historical instruments, the combination of transparent timbres and clarity of articulation results in uplifting and vital performances of this fascinating repertoire.

Boaz Berney Flute
Belinda Paul Oboe
Gili Rinot Clarinet
Eyal Streett Bassoon
Bolko Kloosterman Natural horn