Oliver Webber

LONDON HANDEL PLAYERS

Oliver Webber’s education took him to Wells, Cambridge, London and The Hague, and laid the foundations for an eclectic and adventurous approach to historical performance. He is the artistic director of the Monteverdi String Band, internationally acclaimed for their innovative programming and engaging performances: this season’s projects include a reconstruction of the first performance of Monteverdi’s “Combattimento” for Martin Randall’s 2015 Venetian festival, and a musical-theatrical production based on the life of Galileo. He has directed programmes ranging from 17th century chamber music to Hasse operas with ensembles throughout Europe. He is the leader of Ludus Baroque (Edinburgh), and principal and guest leader with the Gabrieli Players, the Early Opera Company, and the London Handel Orchestra; in 2012 he led for the Taverner Consort’s ground-breaking recording of Monteverdi’s Orfeo, collaborating closely with Andrew Parrott on the historical detail of the string band.

As a soloist Oliver performs regularly at major London venues, as well as European festivals such as the Festival Paganiniano di Carro, Italy and the Vrijdag van Vredenburg series, Utrecht. He is also a member of the Parley of Instruments, Passacaglia and the London Handel Players, and his violin and (speaking!) voice are often heard on Radio 3.

Oliver makes his own gut strings, and bringing the fruits of scholarly research to life on the concert platform is a driving force behind his work. He is a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and lectures throughout Europe on historical performance.

Oliver lives in London with his wife and 2 sons, although they spend as much time as possible in the mountains of Liguria.