Described as a “master of the art of baroque ornamentation,” (Aachener Zeitung) and praised for his “inspiring and full of emotion,” (Tubantia) Jonathan Talbott made his solo violin debut at the age of 16 and now performs a repertoire that spans more than 800 years. He has lead baroque orchestras on four continents and is known for his performances on renaissance and early baroque violins, rebec and medieval fiddle. His distinctive playing can be heard on recordings by Il Concerto Barocco, Ensemble Braccio, The Boston Camerata, Super Librum and Currende. Also well known as a teacher, he gives lectures and masterclasses on such diverse topics as medieval improvisation and renaissance polyphony at universities and summer courses in his native United States, as well as in Africa and Europe. He lives in the Netherlands. Jonathan Talbott is also the owner TIP, Talbott International Presentations, a presentation agency which helps companies and business people make extraordinary pitches and presentations. You can find his blog, Tip of the Month, here.

Tormod Dalen began his career touring Europe and the United States with the string quartet Trønderkvartetten, and playing with the major Norwegian symphony orchestras. Since devoting himself to Early Music, he has won acclaim for his performances as a soloist and chamber musician in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Performing and recording with ensembles such as Le Concert Spirituel, The Gabrieli Consort, Doulce Mémoire and Les Talens Lyriques, he is also principal cello of the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra. His curiousity and open spirit sometimes takes him far off the beaten track — he regularly cooperates with musicians from other musical horizons such as tango, avant-garde and hip-hop. Tormod Dalen teaches the baroque cello at the Conservatoire National Régional de Toulouse and gives university lectures and masterclasses.