Marie
Verstraete

Recorder and Renaissance viola da gamba

Roots
I grew up near Ghent in Belgium, a city with Gothic architecture and the smell of delicious food.

Study
After my first studies in Leuven, I specialized in medieval and renaissance music in Trossingen and Basel. I am proud to hold two Master of Music degrees, a teaching degree, and a Master of Arts in Musicology.

Professional
My natural habitat is the concert stage and the mountains. I also enjoy various other activities such as research, concert introductions, and teaching students of all ages. My IT affinity has also led me to specialize in eLearning and to give trainings on the use of digital tools in music education.

Why
Early music combines craftsmanship with creativity and the need for research, open-mindedness and intercultural work.

Elective Affinities
The only other activity that satisfies me almost as much as making music is also based on skill and science, and produces both adrenaline and a delicious result: the art of cheese making.

Something else
About my favorite place in Basel: I feel most at home in the simple but wonderful St. Nicholas Chapel in the 15th century cathedral. In the room above on the second floor took place from
1431-1449
the famous Council of Basel took place, bringing together rulers and their (musical) entourage from all over Europe.