In this new series, you’ll get to know OBS’s principal musicians. In the style of a Q&A, you’ll learn about their musical journeys so far, highlights with OBS, what they like to do in their free time, and more.
First up, we have cellist and gambist Henrik Persson.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey to date.
My path has been quite musically eventful in many ways. After completing my postgraduate in historical performance at the Royal Academy of music in London with teachers such as Jennifer Ward -Clarke and Richard Campbell, I have been working with most of the UK’s period instrument ensembles, and some further afield too. For example, I spent two years working in the Netherlands with the New Dutch Academy which was a real eye opener in terms of equipment (fixed frogs and all gut set-up which I still use), overall sound, and style. There has also been some fun and formative work in Austria, Germany, and Spain.
How long have you been performing with OBS and what has been a highlight?
My absolute highlight so far was the trip to New York in 2024! But every concert has something special and precious in it for me.
What do you enjoy most about working with OBS?
Not only are we a fabulous group with a great sound, OBS is also made up of some very special and individualistic people. It is a great privilege and joy to be able to work in an ensemble environment where everyone is truly allowed to be themselves, both musically and personally.
What do you like to do when you’re not performing?
Being in the sun by the sea! With or without a boat, sadly mostly without, with or without gin, but mostly with….
Is there anything else you’d like to mention, talk about, plug?
I have the great fortune to play two historical instruments, a cello by N A Chappuy from ca 1760-70, and an E Lewis viola da gamba from 1703. I also run my own viol duo and consort called Newe Vialles together with Caroline Ritchie, and in 2024 we recorded our two historical viols with continuo. Have a listen to some of the tracks here! I also went crazy and recorded my own solo viol album. Both albums are available from Barn Cottage Records.
