About
Instruments: Violin and viola
Caroline Balding has been described as a violinist of “poetic intensity” (Music and Musicians), and as “a formidable soloist combining beauty of sound with infallible articulation” (La Nacion, Buenos Aires), whose playing has a “rapt beauty” and “virtuosic distinction” (Gramophone).
Much in demand as a chamber musician, she has given concerts and recitals all over the world with a number of renowned ensembles, including Lontano, Chroma, and Gemini (whose many exciting projects included the Taiwanese premiere of Quartet for the End of Time).
Often to be heard on BBC Radio 3 and numerous other European radio stations, she also participated in the series “Women in Music” for Channel 4 television, and in a series about Beethoven for the BBC (dressed as a man).
Her long dedication to contemporary music has given Caroline the privilege of taking part in a great many first performances, and of working with the foremost composers of our times- Peter Maxwell Davies, Harrison Birtwistle, Judith Weir and George Benjamin to name but a few.
She is also a period violinist with extensive experience in Baroque, Classical and Romantic repertoires and has appeared as guest leader with prominent groups such as The English Concert, Florilegium, The Army of Generals and Hanover Band, as well as being the Principal Violin of The Band of Instruments and The Martlet Ensemble, both in Oxford. Highlights of last season include performances of early Romantic trios with the fortepianist David Owen Norris.
Her chamber and solo discography numbers around 50 CDs, ranging from early 17th century Italian repertoire, to numerous contemporary works via such things as an alternative Four Seasons by Antonio Guido from the first part of the 18th century and early 20th century piano trios for the British Music Society. Recently, she recorded solo viola music by Silvina Milstein for Lorelt and chamber music by Nicola LeFanu (Gemini), a Gramophone editor’s choice of the month.
She is passionate about supporting the new generation of musicians and has worked with students at many UK universities, The Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Further afield, she has visited the Paris Conservatoire, and taken classes in Taiwan, Argentina, Macedonia and MIT in Boston. She is part of ensembles-in-residence at King’s College, London, and University College, Oxford, and teaches violinists and violists at the universities of Southampton, Surrey and at the Music Faculty in Oxford.
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