The Toronto Baroque Players are an up-and-coming baroque chamber ensemble based in the GTA, offering audiences the chance to experience Baroque music like never before. With a core membership that includes traverso, baroque viola, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, we explore a vast array of repertoire from the 16th to the 18th centuries. As scholars, we are committed to sharing stories about music history through our programming, allowing listeners to fully appreciate live Baroque music. Our talented musicians have performed in prestigious period ensembles such as the Trinity Bach Project, Chilliwack Symphony Baroque Ensemble, and Theatre of Early Music. Since our formation in 2023, the Toronto Baroque Players have been actively performing across the city and were honored to be included in the 2024 Toronto Bach Festival.
Our concert featuring the Toronto Baroque Players will be held at a beautiful venue located in the heart of the city. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating, this venue ensures that everyone can fully experience Baroque music and enjoy live Baroque music with us.
We have curated an amazing lineup of artists for this year's Toronto Baroque Players Concert, where you can experience Baroque music like never before. Get ready to enjoy a night of unforgettable performances featuring live Baroque music.
Ryoko Hou, a versatile collaborative pianist and harpsichordist, captivates audiences with her performances spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Her musical journey has graced renowned venues across England, Austria, Fance, Japan, and Canada. Holding an Advanced Certificate in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Col
Ryoko Hou, a versatile collaborative pianist and harpsichordist, captivates audiences with her performances spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. Her musical journey has graced renowned venues across England, Austria, Fance, Japan, and Canada. Holding an Advanced Certificate in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from the University of Toronto, Royko is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Historical Performance under Luc Beauséjour. A recipient of the Dame Emma Kirby and Suzie Leblanc Award, she acknowledges the influences of esteemed mentors like Adam Sherkin, Peter Longworth, Jeanie Chung, Lydia Wong, Christopher Foley, and Steven Philcox. Ryoko Hou continues to elevate the art of collaborative music with passion and dedication.
John Schechtman-Marko is overjoyed to have the chance to pursue a secret musical life with the Toronto Baroque Players. A historian by trade and current second-year PhD student at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Medieval Studies, John has also played the viola da gamba for the better part of a decade, having had the good fortune to
John Schechtman-Marko is overjoyed to have the chance to pursue a secret musical life with the Toronto Baroque Players. A historian by trade and current second-year PhD student at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Medieval Studies, John has also played the viola da gamba for the better part of a decade, having had the good fortune to study this little-known but wonderful instrument with Catherina Meints Caldwell of Oberlin College and Sam Stadlen of the viol consort Fretwork. John plays on an original c. 1720 Austrian viola da gamba on generous loan from Michael Colborne.
Emily Richardson is an avid performer of music both early and modern. She has played with ensembles including the Red Deer Symphony, Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra, and National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Emily holds degrees from the University of British Columbia and University of Toronto. Inspired by her love for Bach, she began pla
Emily Richardson is an avid performer of music both early and modern. She has played with ensembles including the Red Deer Symphony, Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra, and National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Emily holds degrees from the University of British Columbia and University of Toronto. Inspired by her love for Bach, she began playing the baroque flute during her Masters degree. Soon after, she was awarded a scholarship from Early Music Vancouver to study with Victoria-based baroque flutist Soile Stratkauskas. She has performed with leading period instrumentalists as part of the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Program, a collaboration between UBC, the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, and Early Music Vancouver. In Toronto, she has performed with the Trinity Bach Project and in the North Winds Concerts series.
Samuel Rothermel is a scholar and doctoral candidate in early music at the University of
Toronto, with a distinguished career as a violist. Over the years, he has become a sought-after
performer and section leader for regional orchestras and touring artists in central Pennsylvania,
his home base. Rothermel holds a Bachelor of Music (2021) an
Samuel Rothermel is a scholar and doctoral candidate in early music at the University of
Toronto, with a distinguished career as a violist. Over the years, he has become a sought-after
performer and section leader for regional orchestras and touring artists in central Pennsylvania,
his home base. Rothermel holds a Bachelor of Music (2021) and a Master of Arts (2023) from
the Pennsylvania State University, where his studies focused on both viola performance and
music theory, reflecting his broad musical interests and versatility as a performer and academic.
Recent performances have featured Rothermel alongside musicians of the Toronto Consort and
vocalists from the University of Toronto, performing works of Vivaldi, Purcell, and Handel. In
addition to his performing career, Rothermel is passionate about the rich history of his
instrument. Recently, he presented a unique program for viola quartet, featuring works spanning
from the Baroque era to the present day, including a world-premiere commission by Mexican
composer Manuel Velázquez.
Rothermel has studied under the guidance of renowned violist and pedagogue Timothy
Deighton and is currently honing his craft under the mentorship of Tafelmusik’s principal violist,
Patrick Jordan. With a deep commitment to both the past and future of the viola, Rothermel
continues to explore diverse musical styles while advancing his scholarly research and
performance career.
bio coming soon
bio coming soon
