Denmark Baroque Inc. recently completed its fourth annual Summer Early Music Workshops with a student presentation.

They demonstrated what could be achieved over several days of dedicated practice under the tutelage of specialists.

Due to border restrictions, the workshops were a West Australian event including 44 students from Perth, the South West, Denmark and Albany.

Five musicians from Perth tutored in their specialist areas of cello, violin, flute, harpsichord, double-reed, recorder and voice.

Some students were tutored each afternoon via Zoom from Portugal.

Denmark Baroque artistic director Avril Steyl said to her knowledge there was no other multi-instrumental music development in Early Music elsewhere in Australia.

The workshops attracted interest from interstate students but border closures prevented about 10 students and several professional musicians from participating.

Recognising the growth and the workload in delivering the workshops, Denmark Baroque hired a project manager, Donna Carman, this year.

Denmark Baroque chairperson Vicky Wilson, who was also a workshop student, said Donna had eased the workload, making it easier for committee members to immerse themselves in the music and enjoy the event.

“Denmark Baroque is about making live music in Denmark and the Great Southern,” Vicky said.

“We’re about creating high-quality musical events and opportunities, normally not available outside the metropolitan areas, specifically for local and regional residents.”

Vicky said bringing people together through making live music also generated economic activity, social interaction, cultural tourism and employment opportunities in Denmark and the region.

Each item on Denmark Baroque’s calendar stood alone but was also part of a bigger picture of building the skills and experience of member.

In 2022/2023, a series of concerts, workshops and performances in Denmark, COVID regulations permitting, will be offered.

“For a small volunteer-run organisation, we have ambitious plans,” Vicky said.

“We’re about creating high-quality musical events
and opportunities, normally not available outside the metropolitan areas, specifically for local and regional residents.“

Vicky said bringing people together through making live music also generated economic activity, social interaction, cultural tourism and employment opportunities in Denmark and the region.

Each item in on Denmark Baroque’s calendar stood alone but was also part of a bigger picture of building the skills and experience of member.

In 2022/2023, a series of concerts, workshops and performances in Denmark, COVID regulations permitting, will be offered.

“For a small volunteer-run organisation, we have ambitious plans,” Vicky said.

From a humble beginning in someone’s home to national recognition as a significant contributor to the Early Music scene in Australia, Denmark Baroque testified to the vision, hard work and perseverance of members. The Shire of Denmark supported the project.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 27 January 2022.