Penelope Spencer

To work closely with other musicians

and to achieve an inspirational performance of this level is not only a great privilege, but is the driving force behind what I do. It is the rich sound world of the Baroque that inspires me.

Drawing out the very best qualities in ourselves and others leads to unimaginable fulfilment and artistry…and as such, music gives us the power to inhabit our ideal selves. There is no question in my mind that humankind needs the soulfood of music now, perhaps more than ever.

– Penelope Spencer, Munich 2022

A PASSION for Baroque …

Penelope Spencer’s career as a Baroque violinist spans 30 years in which time she has lived in New Zealand, England, The Netherlands and Germany. She studied in the Netherlands with Sigiswald Kuijken and Alda Stuurop, graduating in 1998 with Uitvoerende Musicus cum Laudae. Orchestral work included La Petite Bande (1993 – 5) and the Nederlandse Bachvereniging (1995 – 2001). Chamber ensemble work included two Japan tours, one Spain tour and numerous performances in Holland.

From 1999 to 2003, Penelope was a member of the English Baroque Soloists, directed by Sir John Eliot Gardiner. During that time she performed internationally and recorded on over 45 CDs. From 2004 to 2006 Penelope devoted herself to her own London- based chamber music series.

In 2008 Penelope was appointed Concertmaster of the New London Consort (Philip Pickett.) She went on to perform in as principal violinist with Pickett for a further 7 years with 32 international tours in 27 different countries.

In 2017, Penelope Moved to Munich with her husband and two children where she continues to perform as Concertmaster, soloist and chamber musician. She plays on a violin by Gennaro Vinaccia, Naples ca.1755.

Reviews

What People are Saying

"Purcell Opera The Tempest, New London Consort: Il faut également rendre hommage à l’excellente prestation de l’ensemble instrumental, et tout particulièrement au premier violon, Penelope Spencer, dont l’engagement corporel a créé une cohésion remarquable au sein du pupitre des cordes. Cela nous amène au cœur de notre interrogation : la musique baroque doit-elle être dirigée"

La Cité de la Musique, Paris Bachtrack April 2014

"Opening concert by New London Consort: Violinist Penelope Spencer added to the effect, standing centre stage for her long obbligato passages, which were expressively played from memory and in dialogue with the vocalists. This made for touching moments and a sense of engagement with the audience."

Perth International Festival of the Arts The Australian, Feb 2008

"The Musicians of the Globe: ….with Edward Finch’s The Cuckoo sounding out loud and clear on Penelope Spencer’s violin, complete with several intricate variations extracting every ounce of colour and expression from the score."

Cheltenham Music Festival, UK Oxford Times, July 2010

"Penelope Spencer matches Debretzeni beautifully in the ensemble pieces …"

Virtuoso in the Making (Linn Records) Early Music News, 2002

"Violinists Debretzeni and Penelope Spencer are particularly fine, deftly extracting every imaginative diabolical, fantastic, and bizarre nuance of Biber’s youthful fertile imagination."

Virtuoso in the Making (Linn Records) ClassicsToday.com, 2002

"Gerade die Geigerin Penelope Spencer musiziert mit äußerster Effizienz und Wendigkeit. Das Zähneklappern, die Freude beim Tanz, die wild hereinbrechenden Stürme - all das wird dramatisch und höchst expressiv hervorgekehrt."

Schrobenhausen Zeitung October 2021

"Das Ensemble Axis Mundi schildert unter der Leitung der Sologeigerin Penelope Spencer eindringlich und eloquent das Auf- und Ab des Lebens entlang der Jahreszeiten … Ein Vivaldi, der in eine fremde Welt entführt."

Donau Kurier October 2021

Penelope Spencer

To work closely with other musicians

A PASSION for Baroque …

Reviews

Projects