Caroline
Ritchie
Caroline Ritchie: viola da gamba, fidel, lirone, bass violin
Roots:
Born and raised in England, I moved to Basel nearly twenty years ago and now live in nearby Alsace.
Studies: I studied musicology and modern cello in Oxford (New College), before completing a Masters in baroque music (cello and viola da gamba) at the Royal Academy of Music in London. My fascination for medieval and renaissance music then led me to Basel, where I finished my studies at the Schola Cantorum.
Professional: I have a busy career in both renaissance and baroque music, as a continuo player (cello, viola da gamba, lirone), soloist, consort and ensemble player. My love of consort music led to a ten-year engagement as professor for viol consort at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and later gave me the opportunity to create programmes of viol and violin consort music for ReRenaissance. I am also active as a musicologist, and have published a number of editions, articles and reviews. And I still occasionally play modern cello.
Why: For me, early music creates an opportunity for deep connection with audiences and with my fellow musicians, something that is so often missing from our modern world. And there is always something new to learn.
Elective Affinities:
Cats!
2026
May
Fleuster une chanson
Song & Dance in Attaingnant's PrintsSat Klosterkirche Dornach
Sun Barfüsserkirche Basel
June
Ach, wie grausam – A que vile
Songs for a mysterious ladySa Nydeggkirche, Bern
Su Barfüsserkirche, Historisches Museum Basel
September
Quodlibet
Puzzles, fun and gamesKirche Reigoldswil &
Barfüsserkirche Basel
October
The Queen’s Singers
The extravagant court chapel of the TudorsMartinskirche
Basel
November
Byrd & the Baron
A secret ChristmasBarfüsserkirche
Historisches Museum Basel