Research
My journey as a researcher started within the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, under the mentorship of Prof. David Watkin. There are two main topics on which I have been focusing on: the chordal realization of basso continuo on the cello, and the musicianship of virtuoso cellists that surrounded Beethoven.
Early 19th Century Cello Performance Practice
I obtained the Doctorate of Performing Arts at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of St. Andrews for my research titled “A Holistic Musicianship: Embodying the Artistic Mindsets of three 19th Century cellists: J.L. Duport, B.Rombert and A.Kraft”.
If you are interested in reading it, it is available on this link: https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/handle/10023/30700
Abstract
This research project explores the holistic approach to musicianship characteristic of virtuoso cellists in the end of 18th and beginning of 19th centuries. By understanding and embodying the inner collaborative processes that happened amongst their performance, compositional, improvisatory, and mentorship “selves”, the goal was to become closer to being a native speaker of their musical language.
Bernhard Romberg, Jean Louis Duport and Anton Kraft were taken as examples of this musicianship, with an intention of becoming acquainted with the specific elements in their artistry that differentiated themselves within a shared musical scene, contributing to the shaping of their individual artistic personalities.
The process of embodiment of their respective technical skillset, improvisatory language and performance mindset led to a deeper understanding of the loci communes and the distinctive features in their artistic outputs. These elements were naturally incorporated in my own palette of possibilities, ultimately shaping my own artistry.
Ultimately, the goal of this research project was to develop my artistic personality within their language, by becoming a creator in music and not only an interpreter. This DPerf portfolio was designed to contribute from different angles to the expansion of my own skills as a performer, composer, improvisor and mentor in the musical language shared by the cellists under study.
I was fortunate to be invited by George Kennaway to participate in this book, published by Brepols in November 2026. In my chapter “Becoming a 19th century cellist through the embodiment of their holistic musicianship”, I explain my approach to embodiment and the idea of becoming a musician as a creative artist through performance, composition, improvisation and mentorship, rather than staying only as interpreters.
Link To book! https://www.brepols.net/products/IS-9782503627250-1
Basso Continuo realization on the cello
I have been realizing the continuo on the cello for some years already, be it just with violin as part of Duo Auxesis, accompanying students in lessons, when playing recitativos in operas and oratorios or more intensively with the 5-string cello within the group Ayres Extemporae.
In April 2026 I was fortunate to be invited as a speaker to the second symposium about continuo on the cello organized by the Royal Conservatoire in Brussels. A video recording of the talk where I share some of my experiences is available at their website alongside the wonderful talks given by amazing experts on this topic such as Giovanna Barbati, Valentin Bajou or Daniel Rosin: https://sites.google.com/musiqueancienne.be/symposium-cello-bc/symposium-2-english?authuser=0
some examples of harmonic cello playing
Geminiani CD with Octavie Dostaler-Lalonde
Erbarme dich CD with Ayres Extemporae
Concert with Parnassus Ensemble, Kuhnau - Christ lag in Todesbanden
my projects
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Soloist/conductor
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Research
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teaching
Prof. Historical Cello at HKU Utrechts Conservatorium
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Podium Auxesis
A platform for experimentation and development in the field of historical performance practice with concerts and workshops in Groningen
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Ayres Extemporae
Ensemble focused on the experimentation of chordal bass on cellos and improvisaiton
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Parnassus Ensemble
Collective of European instrumentalists and singers focused on interdisciplinary projects
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Ensemble Tamuz
19th century HIPP chamber music ensemble
