Belgian Amsterdam-based harpsichordist Mario Sarrechia (born in 1988) completed his studies with high honours at both the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp under Ewald Demeyere and the Conservatorium of Amsterdam, where he studied with Bob van Asperen, Menno van Delft, and Richard Egarr. During his education, he participated in masterclasses with esteemed musicians such as Gustav Leonhardt, Sigiswald Kuijken, and Christophe Rousset.
About
After completing his studies, he joined the world-renowned baroque orchestra La Petite Bande, led by Sigiswald Kuijken. He has performed with this ensemble across Europe and Japan as a continuo player and soloist.
He has recorded several CDs for labels such as ACCENT, Aparté, and Et’cetera, including a notable album of Bach’s solo harpsichord concertos with La Petite Bande.
Sarrechia is frequently invited to perform as a continuo player. He has collaborated with ensembles such as the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, Orkester Nord, RedHerring, and the Netherlands Chamber Choir. He has worked alongside prominent musicians, including Ann Hallenberg, Enrico Onofri, Ryo Terakado, François Fernandez, and Thomas Baeté.
As a soloist, he has given recitals in national and international venues, performing repertoire on harpsichord and organ from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In 2021, he released his debut solo album, Ruckers me fecit Antverpiae, in collaboration with Museum Vleeshuis. The album explores the legacy of the renowned Antwerp family of harpsichord builders.
In his research, Sarrechia has focused on keyboard intabulations of French chansons and has presented his findings at the University of Cambridge and Museum Vleeshuis in Antwerp.
Beyond his performing career, Sarrechia teaches music theory at the University of Applied Sciences Leiden and music history at the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen.
Version: November, 2024.
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