KALEIDOSCOPE II

The Arco Baleno ensemble performs chamber works from various musical periods. The basic ensemble is made up of a flute, two violins, viola and cello but is can be expanded up to a small chamber orchestra depending on the repertoire being performed. Arco Baleno believe that the performance and recording of new works by Flemish contemporary composers is of paramount importance. Their efforts in this respect have been frequently recognised, notably by the award of the Pelemansprijs and their appointment as Artistic Ambassadors of the the Government of West Flanders. Arco Baleno has also made a speciality of introducing classical music to children, for which they were awarded the Debut Prize of Jeugd en Muziek Vlaanderen.

The ensemble has toured extensively in the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia and France. Their live CD recordings of Mozart’s flute quartets, Haydn’s London symphonies and concertos by Vivaldi were greeted enthusiastically by the international musical press. Arco Baleno is currently busy with the preparation of its nineteenth CD project.

A performance by Arco Baleno is always an experience. They pay attention not only to thorough preparation and carefully considered interpretation but also to the works’ presentation. The concerts can be introduced by the musicians if the organiser so wishes, and the ensemble often also collaborates with specialists in other artistic disciplines. Members of the audience nonetheless most frequently comment on the interaction between the musicians themselves.