Fora
Fora is a duo consisting of recorder player Olivia Petryszak and harpsichordist Matthew Brown. Together, they present a fresh and imaginative approach to historical performance, combining virtuosity with spontaneity in ambitious and innovative programmes. Their work often explores improvisation, arrangement, and composition, pushing the boundaries of what their instruments can do, while remaining rooted in historical practice.
Fora has performed across the UK, and its members have individually appeared throughout Europe with many renowned ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, Polish Royal Opera, and Capella Cracoviensis. Their approach to music is shaped by rich international experiences and collaborations. They have studied and worked with leading figures of the early music scene such as Erik Bosgraaf, Maurice Steger, and Rachel Podger, who have all had a significant influence on their distinctive artistic voice. Fora sees its artistic vision as a challenge to conventional perspectives on early music.
The ensemble was born out of a desire to treat historical music as a living and evolving art form. They reject the idea that early music should be seen solely as a relic of the past-instead, they approach it with the same creativity and individuality that characterised 17th- and 18th-century performers. Olivia Petryszak is a sought-after recorder player known for her distinctive tone and commitment to expanding the recorder repertoire. She collaborates regularly with musicians from a wide range of genres worldwide. Matthew Brown is an acclaimed harpsichordist, continuo accompanist, and artistic director, frequently performing with leading ensembles across the UK. He is also the founder of Queenes Chappell and the Surrey Bach Festival, where he serves as artistic director.
Fora draws inspiration from musical risk-taking, blending energy, precision, and artistic daring in their performances. Their artistry captivates audiences, breathing new life into early music and forging exciting new paths for their instruments.
Fora has performed across the UK, and its members have individually appeared throughout Europe with many renowned ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, Polish Royal Opera, and Capella Cracoviensis. Their approach to music is shaped by rich international experiences and collaborations. They have studied and worked with leading figures of the early music scene such as Erik Bosgraaf, Maurice Steger, and Rachel Podger, who have all had a significant influence on their distinctive artistic voice. Fora sees its artistic vision as a challenge to conventional perspectives on early music.
The ensemble was born out of a desire to treat historical music as a living and evolving art form. They reject the idea that early music should be seen solely as a relic of the past-instead, they approach it with the same creativity and individuality that characterised 17th- and 18th-century performers. Olivia Petryszak is a sought-after recorder player known for her distinctive tone and commitment to expanding the recorder repertoire. She collaborates regularly with musicians from a wide range of genres worldwide. Matthew Brown is an acclaimed harpsichordist, continuo accompanist, and artistic director, frequently performing with leading ensembles across the UK. He is also the founder of Queenes Chappell and the Surrey Bach Festival, where he serves as artistic director.
Fora draws inspiration from musical risk-taking, blending energy, precision, and artistic daring in their performances. Their artistry captivates audiences, breathing new life into early music and forging exciting new paths for their instruments.
