Cecilia Bernardini new concertmaster of the Netherlands Bach Society

The Dutch-Italian Cecilia Bernardini (1984) is no stranger to the Bach Society. In recent seasons she participated in the role of guest concertmaster in various projects, including the St Matthew Passion in 2024 under direction of Johanna Soller, the recently appointed artistic leader of the Bach Society. 

Managing director Janneke Slokkers: “We are proud and delighted with Cecilia's appointment. First and foremost, she is a phenomenal violinist. In addition, she has a natural and connective leadership style, which fits perfectly with the style of our new artistic director Johanna Soller. The click they had during the St Matthew Passion bodes well for the future."

Versatile
Cecilia Bernardini is considered to be one of the most versatile violinists of her generation. She studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with bij Jan Repko, Vesko Eschkenazy en Ilya Grubert, continued her education at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with David Takeno, and took classes with Rachel Podger and Lucy van Dael, after which she specialised in historically informed practice.

Cecilia Bernardini holds the position of associate artistic director of the Freiburger Barockorchester and is concertmaster of the Flemish B’rock Orchestra. Previously, she led the Dunedin Consort and Pygmalion. She performs as a soloist, musical director and concertmaster with renowned ensembles such as Camerata Salzburg, The King’s Consort, Ensemble Zefiro, Arcangelo, Vox Luminis and the Bach Collegium Japan. 

Chamber music 
A keen chamber musician, she frequently performs with her father, baroque hoboist Alfredo Bernardini, and with Trio Marie Soldat which focuses on classical and early romantic repertoire. She also enjoys playing contemporary music. In 2010, for instance, she performed the world premiere of Philip Glass' Double Concerto together with cellist Maartje-Maria den Herder at the Residentie Orkest.