Camerata Trajectina ‘Collegium Musicum’ – chamber music from 1657 by Nicolaus a Kempis, John Jenkins, Giovanni Legrenzi, Marco Uccellini and others

Camerata Trajectina

‘Collegium Musicum’

Timeless instrumental chamber music from 1657 by Nicolaus a Kempis, John Jenkins, Giovanni Legrenzi, Marco Uccellini and others.

Camerata Trajectina

Lidewij van der Voort – violin
Saskia Coolen – recorder, viola da gamba
Cassandra Luckhardt – viola da gamba
Constance Allanic – harp, viola da gamba
Arjen Verhage – lute, Baroque guitar

Making music is something you do together! Nothing is more delightful than gathering with kindred spirits to perform the most beautiful music together. In the mid-17th century, so-called Collegia Musica emerged in all major cities: music societies where the well-to-do bourgeoisie (in other words, those wealthy enough to learn an instrument) came together to make music. It was a serious affair — those who failed to show up could expect a fine. Every self-respecting city had such a civic music society: Middelburg, Arnhem, Zwolle, Leeuwarden, Breda, and many more.

What music was placed on the stand? Camerata Trajectina delved into the archives and uncovered an extensive inventory of the Collegium library. From this, a magnificent playlist dating from 1657 has been compiled, featuring the finest chamber music from across Europe. Discover why composers such as Nicolaus a Kempis, Giovanni Legrenzi and Marco Uccellini were the great stars of their time!

Camerata Trajectina

The musical memory of the Netherlands

We have a fondness for so-called low art, with its songs of the street, but we cherish high art with composed songs just as much. The illustrious 17th century — like other periods — comes vividly to life in our instrumental and polyphonic performances. From Sweelinck and Schuyt to Geuzen songs and sea shanties, we bring it all together. We are the musical memory of the Netherlands.

Core members of the ensemble are Saskia Coolen (recorder & viola da gamba), Nico van der Meel (tenor), Cassandra Luckhardt (viola da gamba), Constance Allanic (viola da gamba & harp) and Arjen Verhage (lute & cittern). Where needed, we are joined by Klaartje van Veldhoven, Wendy Roobol, Sytse Buwalda, Berend Eijkhout and various guest musicians.