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!

carolineritchiegamba.com.

Psalmy Dawida 2022 June
Paper, Ink, and Pen 2021 February

Glickhaftig! (BS)

Continental Connection

A Company of Violins

Semper Dowland

2026

May

Fleuster une chanson

Song & Dance in Attaingnant's Prints
Sat 30.05.26 Sun 31.05.26 18:15 Concert

Sat Klosterkirche Dornach
Sun Barfüsserkirche Basel

June

Ach, wie grausam – A que vile

Songs for a mysterious lady
Sat 27.06.26 Su 28.06.2026 18:15 Concert

Sa Nydeggkirche, Bern
Su Barfüsserkirche, Historisches Museum Basel

September

Quodlibet

Puzzles, fun and games
Sat 26.09.26 Sun 27.09.26 18:15 Concert

Kirche Reigoldswil &
Barfüsserkirche Basel

October

The Queen’s Singers

The extravagant court chapel of the Tudors
Sun 25.10.26 18:15 Concert

Martinskirche
Basel

November

Byrd & the Baron

A secret Christmas
Sun 29.11.26 18:15 Concert

Barfüsserkirche
Historisches Museum Basel