German baroque violinist Jonas Zschenderlein certainly got off to an early start. He’s been performing with professional ensembles since he was a teenager, around the same time as he began his own ensemble, 4 Times Barque. He’s played all over Europe, Asia and the Americas, from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to Carnegie Hall in New York, and he’s now performing at the City Recital Hall Angel Place, guest directing the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra for Bach’s Universe, until the 11th of November. For Jonas and the ABO, it’s a case of third time lucky, as the concerts have twice had to be cancelled because of Covid.

In this conversation, Jonas shares some of his musical inspirations, some of which come from sources which might surprise. We also hear about his remarkable instrument, the importance of the music of JS Bach, and his early journey to performing the baroque violin.

Photo: Keith Saunders