Hamburg Ratsmusik Ensemble

Hamburg Ratsmusik Ensemble is a remarkable early music group with roots tracing back to the 16th century, originally forming as the official city musicians of Hamburg during the Baroque period. The modern incarnation of the ensemble was re-established in 1991 under the direction of Simone Eckert, and it specializes in historically informed performances using original instruments, often focusing on rarely heard repertoire from their predecessors like William Brade, Johann Schop, Dietrich Becker, Georg Philipp Telemann, and C. P. E. Bach. Their passion lies in reviving and bringing to life the rich musical traditions of Hamburg's past with authenticity and flair, which has earned them accolades such as the Echo Klassik award and a reputation as a leading ensemble for early music.

The ensemble's sound comes from instruments that are often over 300 years old, creating a unique and captivating listening experience. They perform widely across Europe, the USA, and China, presenting concerts, recordings, and moderated musical readings that explore the vibrant dance rhythms and rhetorical nuances of Baroque and earlier music. Beyond traditional programming, Hamburg Ratsmusik also embraces innovative concert formats and intercultural collaborations to keep early music fresh and engaging for modern audiences.

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