In this final episode of our zamus mini-series, we meet two of the driving forces behind the “Creating New Spaces” symposium: Charlotte Nachtsheim, organiser of the event, and Mélanie Froehly artistic director of zamus. Together with the artistic director of the festival Midori Seiler they have shaped the structure of the symposium and brought this idea come true.
We speak with Charlotte about the meaning of colonialism and decolonialism in the context of early music—how the field is shaped by its history, and what it means to rethink that history in today’s world. Can early music become a space for equity, awareness, and reflection?
Then, Mélanie shares her artistic vision and the story behind integrating such an important topic into a festival setting. We talk about structural challenges, curatorial decisions, and the deep personal motivation that connects both women to this work—not just as organisers, but as musicians and advocates for a more inclusive and responsible cultural scene.
Together, they explore how music and art can become a safe space—where difficult conversations are welcomed, and new perspectives can flourish.
Music in the episode:
Florence Price: Symphony No. 1 in E minor
Alice Smith (1839-1884) - Symphony in A minor
00:00 – Intro & guest introductions: Charlotte Nachtsheim & Mélanie Froehly
00:53 – Symposium theme: “Creating New Spaces”
02:09 – Colonialism & decolonisation in early music
04:49 – Problematic content & how to handle it
06:10 – Transition to Mélanie Froehly
07:07 – The concept of zamus - Center of Early Music in Cologne
08:58 – How the idea for the symposium emerged, collegial approach
11:14 – Integrating the symposium into the festival
12:40 – Present perspectives & future plans
13:18 – Personal motivation & societal change
15:22 – Sneak peek at the next zamus edition
18:40 – Outro
#EarlyMusic#DecolonisingMusic#ColonialHeritage#HistoricalPerformance#CriticalClassics#OperaReimagined#MusicAndSociety#InclusiveArts#MusicHistoryMatters#BaroqueVoices#SoundAndStory#ArtAsResistance#NewSpacesInMusic#CulturalReflection#ListeningDifferently
In this second episode of our zamus mini-series, we take a deep dive into the work of Critical Classics—an initiative that rethinks how we perform historical operas and oratorios by addressing racism, exoticism, and other forms of discrimination embedded in the original texts.
We’re joined by Leyla Ercan, co-initiator of the project, and Änne-Marthe Kühn, dramaturge and researcher, who reflect on how theatre can both reveal and reproduce harmful narratives. Together, they share the origins of the project, their guiding principles, and what it means to reframe canonical works like The Magic Flute in a way that speaks to our current world.
We discuss strategies of sensitivity reading, the role of text and subtext, and how audiences respond when difficult truths are brought to light. What does it mean to preserve tradition—and when does that tradition need to be questioned?
🎭 More about the project: criticalclassics.org/downloads
🎼 With music from Orkester Nord, courtesy of Aparte label: Watch here
Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction of guests: Leyla Ercan & Änne-Marthe Kühn
01:10 – “I dislike theatre” – the critical power of the stage
02:02 – Änne-Marthe Kühn: background & why she joined Critical Classics
03:09 – Leyla Ercan: the roots of theatre criticism
04:15 – Aims & mission of Critical Classics
07:15 – Audience reactions & communication
09:49 – Theatre tools & character portrayal
12:44 – Strategies for working with texts
15:25 – Technical methods: how Critical Classics handles opera material
18:17 – Finding inner conflicts that speak to today
19:18 – Why we still need these old stories
20:21 – Historical context of classical opera theatre
22:04 – Outro
#EarlyMusic#DecolonisingMusic#ColonialHeritage#HistoricalPerformance#CriticalClassics#OperaReimagined#MusicAndSociety#InclusiveArts#MusicHistoryMatters#BaroqueVoices#SoundAndStory#ArtAsResistance#NewSpacesInMusic#CulturalReflection#ListeningDifferently
In this opening episode of our special series with zamus for the “Creating New Spaces” Decolonisation Symposium, we explore the colonial shadows cast over the world of early music. Historian and activist Dr. Rahab Njeri speaks about decolonial aesthetics and the need to reclaim artistic spaces through marginalized and indigenous forms of knowledge.
https://frauengeschichtsverein.de/2023/08/22/dr-des-rahab-njeri/
We then turn to musician and researcher Jorge Silva, who guides us through the African and South American origins of familiar Baroque dances. What colonial narratives are hidden in the elegant sarabande—and what happens when we start to listen differently?
https://www.jorgesilvahpd.com/
Timecodes
00:00 – Intro & ZAMUS collaboration
01:18 – Dr. Rahab Njeri: Picasso & African art
03:01 – Cultural appropriation spectrum
04:31 – Critical diversity
06:15 – Institutional change
07:35 – Power vs. African philosophy
09:11 – Empathy & decoloniality
11:24 – Gaze into the future
13:00 – Jorge Silva: Baroque dance & origins
14:27 – Hidden narratives in dance
16:19 – The sarabande’s transformation
18:40 – Performance & research
20:52 – Lundu & Brazilian sources
23:45 – Generational trauma & music
26:23 – Layers of history in Baroque
27:40 – Being a musician today
28:35 – Outro
Music in this episode from the playlist of Midori Seiler: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQt6ev5eI6q_ZyMJrIyN898Fd0RGuxkug&si=h6sx4-49tD48Ugr4
#EarlyMusic
#DecolonisingMusic
#ColonialHeritage
#HistoricalPerformance
#CriticalClassics
#OperaReimagined
#MusicAndSociety
#InclusiveArts
#MusicHistoryMatters
#BaroqueVoices
#SoundAndStory
#ArtAsResistance
#NewSpacesInMusic
#CulturalReflection
#ListeningDifferently
In this second part of my conversation with the internationally acclaimed flutist, researcher, and author Rachel Brown, we continue our journey into the world of 18th-century flute culture.
We speak about the flute makers who shaped the sound of our time, the virtuoso players of the 18th century and their repertoire, and the surprising way dissonance can be described in terms of taste experiences. Our conversation also touches on the role of historical clothing and why women were often excluded from playing wind instruments, and Rachel shares her own creative voice as a composer, including her projects inspired by Telemann’s Twelve Fantasias for solo flute.
This episode of (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment is kindly supported by the Christoph Merian Stiftung.
💌 I’d love to hear from you: write me at insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com.
#RachelBrown #Quantz #Telemann #BaroqueFlute #Traverso #EarlyMusic #HistoricalPerformance #Bach #FlutePodcast #BaroqueMusic #18thCenturyMusic #WomenInMusic #ChristophMerianStiftung
In this episode of (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment, I sit down with the brilliant flutist and researcher Rachel Brown(Rachel’s website).
We explore the world of original Quantz flutes and discover their surprising personalities — not unlike the Three Tenors, each with their own temperament and flair. Our conversation also touches on the colours and expressive power of tonalities such as E-flat major, G minor, and F minor, and the fingering quirks and possibilities they reveal on the traverso.
The music featured in this episode is Rachel Brown’s recording of Johann Joachim Quantz’s Sonata in B-flat major, QV 1:272 — listen here: YouTube link
This is part one of our conversation — part two will follow with even more insights into Quantz’s world and the art of the flute.
✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast — it really helps others discover it. And I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can always reach me at insight insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
#Quantz #Traverso #EarlyMusic #RachelBrown #FlutePodcast #HistoricalPerformance #BaroqueFlute #InsightReadingEnlightenment
In this episode, I speak with Margalith Eugster and Elisa Rumici about the first edition of the Feminale Festival Basel, held in April 2025. We talk about how this student-led festival at the Hochschule für Musik FHNW brought attention to female composers, institutional structures, and the necessity of sharing both responsibility and space in the musical landscape.
From blind concerts to panels on gender quotas and parenthood, from curating with care to navigating helplessness and female rage — we reflect on what it means to stay constructive, collaborate meaningfully, and imagine the future of a festival like Feminale.
🕒 Time Codes:
00:00 Intro music from JAHRE DORA PEJAČEVIĆ – EINE FEMMAGE
02:44 Organising Feminale & Christmas story time
07:11 The idea of Femmage
07:40 Music excerpt: Scherzo No. 2, Op. 14 by Clara Schumann, performed by Elisa Rumici
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku1azFsRgHo
10:05 Discussing quotas, stereotypes & parenthood
14:02 Composers and collaboration — the geographical aspect
16:14 Lili Boulanger, Germaine Tailleferre, Clara Schumann, Fanny Hensel, and others
18:20 Music excerpt from JAHRE DORA PEJAČEVIĆ – EINE FEMMAGE
20:45 Blind concerts
22:30 Helplessness as a present feeling — building islands
24:09 Personal motivation: female rage and dignity
27:57 Thoughts on the future of the Feminale
29:32 Outro music from FEMINALE Hamburg – Hedwig Janko Trio Jazz Concert
🎶 Music featured in this episode:
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODUz5_7RrrA
– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL7tuhKGNeY
📩 Feedback & contact: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @insight_reading_enlightenment
#feminalebasel #feminale2025 #femalecomposers #genderinmusic #insightreadingenlightenment #elisarumici #margalitheugster #quotendiskussion #parenthoodinmusic #femalerage #musicaldignity #clarschumann #dorapejacevic #liliboulanger #fannyhensel #inclusivemusicmaking #blindconcerts #stayconstructive #buildingislands #festivalmaking
Hello dear friends,
What does it mean to be a “superwoman” in music—then and now? In this episode, we travel from the finely tuned mechanics of 19th-century fortepianos to the bold visions of contemporary curators as we explore Superwomen—a newly launched festival in Basel by pianist and researcher Laura Granero and piano restorer Sebastian Bausch, the duo behind Klavieratelier Mignon 1904.
Together, we unfold a multi-sensory conversation, from salon culture to technological time capsules. Expect to meet the dazzling Fanny Davies—not only a pianist of Schumann’s inner circle but also a visual artist and chronicler of her musical world (hear her play Davidsbündlertänze here). We’ll also discuss diva, entrepreneur, and Rossini’s first wife Isabella Colbran (profile), whose fortune helped fund the composer’s comfort.
And yes, there were bread sculptures. The 19th-century salon scene was full of unexpected flourishes—often led by female artists who shaped cultural trends far beyond the concert hall. We dive into the curious tale of musical baking, the gender politics of programming, and the enduring influence of the salonnières.
Adding a present-day sparkle, we taste a bottle from Cava Hispania and raise a glass to Darina's second podcast, Why White Wine, celebrating the role of wine in collaboration and storytelling.
With fortepiano improvisations on John Field’s Nocturne No. 5 (performed by Laura Granero), reflections on feminist agency in curation, and a touch of irony, this episode invites you to rethink tradition with intelligence, warmth, and a generous pour.
🕰 Full time codes:00:00 – Intro + Field Nocturne No. 503:19 – On artistic design choices04:24 – What is Atelier 1904?09:45 – Piano roll technology as time travel14:05 – Who curated the concerts back then?20:45 – What concert culture felt like in the 19th century23:21 – Performing vs. hosting27:30 – Inside the Superwomen Festival41:34 – How to research female creators47:30 – Sebastian on being a feminist in classical music50:00 – Wine tasting on air: Cava Hispania + Why White Wine54:14 – Tips for discovering women composersOutro – Fanny Davies plays Schumann
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this inspired you to seek more hidden heroines of music history.
Contact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
#EarlyMusicMatters#ForgottenVoices#WomenInMusicHistory#SalonCulture#HistoricalInstruments#PianoRollRevival#FortepianoVibes
#SuperwomenFestival#FeministMusicology#ReclaimHerStory#MusicalTrailblazers#ClassicalFeminism#HiddenHeroines#SalonSisters
#MusicPodcast#ClassicalMusicPodcast#PodcastForMusicLovers#InSightReadingEnlightenment#ListenLearnUnwind#BaselCulture
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Natasha Loges, Professor of Musicology at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg (mh-freiburg.de). Dr. Loges is renowned for her research on 19th-century music, concert culture, and gender studies (oxfordsong.org). In this episode, she delves into her forthcoming biography of Pauline Viardot, the influential 19th-century mezzo-soprano, composer, and cultural icon (hfmt-hamburg.de).
⏰ Episode Highlights:
1:13 – Guest Introduction
2:11 – About the Viardot Biography
6:57 – Viardot as Composer
10:47 – Classical Music Perspectives: Then & Now
15:00 – Historical Predictions of Classical Music
18:10 – Controversies Around Viardot's Heritage
21:43 – The Everyday Life of Pauline Viardot
26:21 – The Open Marriage and 19th-Century Society
30:38 – Three Sides of Viardot as Composer
32:16 – Public Perception of Viardot's Appearance
38:32 – Women as 19th-Century Entrepreneurs
43:44 – Research Tips from Natasha Loges
47:00 – Outro & Reflections
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Natasha Loges at Hochschule für Musik Freiburg: mh-freiburg.de
Viardot Lecture Info: hfmt-hamburg.de
Biography Preview (PDF): musik-akademie.ch
Oxford Song Festival Profile: oxfordsong.org
NOVA Contemporary Music Meeting Bio: fabricadesites.fcsh.unl.pt
🎧 Listen now and uncover the many layers of Pauline Viardot’s legacy, as seen through the lens of one of today’s most insightful musicologists.
#PaulineViardot #NatashaLoges #EarlyMusic #WomenInMusic #19thCenturyMusic #ClassicalMusicHistory #Musicology #OperaHistory #FemaleComposers #MusicalSalons #InSightReadingEnlightenment #PodcastForMusicians #HistoricalMusicology #MusicPodcast #FeminismInMusic
In this episode, we dive into the world of early music with Marc Lewon, a distinguished German lutenist, musicologist, and professor at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Marc shares insights into his journey through medieval and Renaissance music, his passion for historical instruments, and his role in reviving ancient musical traditions.
We also explore ReRenaissance, Basel's forum for early music. Founded in 2020, ReRenaissance presents monthly concerts that bring to life music composed before 1600. Marc, as a founding board member, discusses the series' mission to make early music accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
⏱️ Episode Timeline
🎶 Intro music: Ile fantazies de Joskin – Ensemble Leones
00:00 – Welcome & opening music
02:10 – Marc Lewon’s fields of interest in early music
04:13 – How did Marc first discover early music?
06:20 – Going online: how the digital world transformed his path
🎵 08:37 – Musical example: Lange swîgen des hât ich gedâht (Walther von der Vogelweide)
10:05 – Solitary or social? Reflections on online presence in the early music scene
11:56 – Current projects and what’s on the horizon
14:20 – What is ReRenaissance Basel?
16:00 – Crafting concert themes: the ReRen programming process
🎵 18:13 – Musical excerpt: Freu dich, du weltlich creatur (arr. M. Lewon) – Ensemble Leones
20:12 – Behind the scenes: the origins and concept of ReRen
22:47 – What makes ReRen’s concert format so unique
24:37 – Sustainability and history: where do they meet?
27:00 – Musical travels and environmental reflections
30:35 – Reaching audiences: shaping communication in early music
32:11 – Collaborations and community
33:35 – The double life: musician and concert organiser
📬 Contact us: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
We’d love to hear your feedback, ideas, or guest suggestions!
Links & Resources:
🔗 Marc Lewon's Website: www.lewon.de
🔗 Ensemble Leones: www.leones.de
🔗 ReRenaissance Basel: www.rerenaissance.ch
📺 ReRenaissance YouTube Channel: ReRenaissance En - YouTube
#EarlyMusic #MarcLewon #ReRenaissance #BaselCulture #MedievalMusic #RenaissanceMusic #HistoricalPerformance #InSightReadingEnlightenment #EarlyMusicPodcast
📍 This episode of (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment takes you straight to the heart of the London International Festival of Early Music (LIFEM), which took place in November 2024. We explore the festival’s atmosphere, its exciting Chamber Music Competition, and the inspiring work behind the scenes.
Join host Darina Ablogina as she speaks with:
🎤 Chris Butler, the longtime organiser of LIFEM
🎤 Erik Bosgraaf, recorder virtuoso and the festival’s newly appointed artistic director
Together, they reflect on the festival’s legacy, the magic of community, and their shared hopes for the future of early music.
🕰️ Timecodes
0:00 – Intro
1:15 – Meet Chris Butler
1:47 – Meet Erik Bosgraaf
2:02 – The Origins of LIFEM
3:30 – How a passion turned into leadership and vision.
4:25 – Festival Highlights & Afterparties
The joy of community, unforgettable performances, and why the afterparties matter.
8:30 – Reflections from Erik on stepping into the role of artistic director.
9:00 – Shaping the Festival’s Artistic Vision
How artists are selected and what guides the programming.
9:58 – Education, Inspiration & Exhibitions
From kids to amateurs—creating a welcoming and enriching festival experience.
13:10 – Engaging the Audience
Curious kids, live questions, and a responsive festival crowd.
15:25 – Please Touch the Instruments!
Encouraging connection through hands-on experience.
16:10 – Looking Ahead
Dreams, plans, and the evolving future of LIFEM.
18:10 – LIFEM’s Impact & Reputation
The festival’s growing presence on the international stage.
21:42 – A Sense of Wonder
What the audience takes home—and why it matters.
22:55 – Outro
📌 Useful Links
🌐 LIFEM Website: https://lifem.org
📸 LIFEM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
📲 Follow (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment for more early music stories:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/insight_reading_enlightenment/
Thank you for listening and supporting this beautiful community.
With music and curiosity,
Darina 🎶
In this special episode, we welcome the world-renowned harpsichordist Pierre Hantaï for an insightful conversation about his musical journey, his deep connection with Bach, and the art of interpretation. Hantaï shares his thoughts on early music, historically informed performance, and his personal inspirations that shaped his career.
The excerpt played by Pierre in the middle of the episode: from Suite in D Minor, HWV 428: IV. Air & 5 variations by George Frideric Handel.
This episode was created with the generous support of the Christoph Merian Stiftung.
🎧 Tune in now and immerse yourself in the world of baroque music with one of its greatest interpreters!
write me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
In this special episode we explore the vibrant world of the Valletta Baroque Festival with its artistic director, Kenneth Zammit Tabona. Join us as we dive into the festival's journey from its inception to its current stature as a beacon of early music. Kenneth shares personal stories of his connection to early music, the magic of unforgettable performances, and the intricate art of crafting a festival program. We also discuss the festival’s impact on education and community, the challenges of growing a diverse audience, and the triumphs that make the festival a cultural gem in Malta. Tune in to uncover the passion, vision, and resilience behind one of Europe's most enchanting music festivals.
Time codes:
00:00 Introduction
01:35 The Festival's Roots
05:35 Your Connection to Early Music
07:15 Unforgettable Moments
10:51 Crafting the Festival Program
13:41 Musical Landscape from the Old Times
20:23 Educational and Community Impact
20:56 Connecting with the Audience
my email: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
#podcast #earlymusicpodcast
In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with the outstanding and brilliant Lila Hajosi, the director of the vocal ensemble Irini, based in France. In this episode, Lila shares her passion for the lower and middle vocal ranges, her view of the diversity situation in the field of early music, and how the organisation she founded to support female leaders in the structure of France's music organisations works.
https://www.ensembleirini.com/it/equipe-artistique/
https://www.ensembleirini.com/it/
support me and contact: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
In this episode, I approached Giovanni Antonini, the renowned conductor and founder of Il Giardino Armonico, right after their spectacular performance of Haydn symphonies in Basel.
https://www.ilgiardinoarmonico.com/giovanni-antonini/
I had the pleasure of exploring his extensive journey through Baroque and Classical music, from his innovative interpretations as a young musician, to his experiences as an ensemble founder, to his work with world-class orchestras. Giovanni shares insights into his artistic vision and the future of early music with a warm and elegant sense of humour.
Contact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
Yours,
Darina
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Lucie Horsch, the renowned recorder virtuoso.
We dive deep into her life, musical journey, and what it’s like to be one of the most innovative young artists the world.
Additionally, I sit down with Olga Pashchenko and Albert Edelman, the artistic director of the B’Rock orchestra to discuss their memorable experiences at the Felix Festival, celebrating the unique moments and performances that make it a standout event. Join us for an inspiring conversation full of artistic insight and festival highlights!
About my guests:
Contact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
Yours,
Darina
My guests today, who answer the same question about their motivation to go on stage, are: Raphael Pichon, the conductor of the Pygmalion choir and orchestra, the brilliant keyboardist Olga Pashchenko and Reginald Mobley, a countertenor with a magically sweet voice.
Please contact me if you are interested in this topic and would like to share your insights on the motivation to perform.
Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours,Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #bach #bestplacetobe #raphaelpichon #reginaldmobley #olgapashchenko #motivationtoperfom #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards
Today we have a fascinating conversation with an outstanding performer on the keyboard instrument Jermaine Sprosse. We will reflect on why we record CDs nowadays and what the appeal of creating one is, why it is necessary to discover new repertoire and how creativity influences us artists and our motivation.
Find Jermain's CD here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Bevapr37OHmJg8Kir6YVU
Visit his webpage:
https://www.jermainesprosse.com
Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
Yours,
Darina
#jermainesprosse #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #bach #CD #cembalos #piano #earlymusic #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards #piano
Hello dear friends!
My guest today is an inspiring pianist with a truly humanistic approach to early music, Laura Granero.
Laura is the founder of the "Fanny Davies Ensemble", which is based on a collaborative and innovative approach. Laura is currently opening a brand new concert space in Basel that welcomes musicians with new concert formats.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/861602174297
In today's episode, we read two songs by Fanny Hensel-Mendelssohn and discuss the historically informed 19th century perspective that has been replaced in our minds by an expectation of what classical music should sound like that excludes the sound philosophy of the time and is relevant or the Romantic time approach to music. We talked about inclusivity and awareness in relation to building a concert programme and dealing with the issue of classical music's 'greatest hits' and their problematic nature.
Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com
Yours,
Darina
#lauragranero #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #fannydavies #claraschumann #fortepiano #piano #mendelssohn #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards #piano #tchaykovsky #list #brahms