Amsterdam Sinfonietta

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Amsterdam Sinfonietta occupies a unique position on the Dutch music scene as professional string orchestra. It is regularly invited to perform in concert halls throughout the world as one of the very few large-scale string ensembles on the international scene. The ensemble consists of 22 chamber musicians; all string players. Its repertoire covers a variety of styles, extending from the Baroque repertoire to contemporary works. The main focus lies on string ensemble repertoire, including chamber music performed in string orchestra format. On occasion Amsterdam Sinfonietta performs as a chamber orchestra with the use of additional instrumentalists. The ensemble is characterised by an innovative approach to repertoire, often presenting unexpected and exciting programming combinations. Alongside performances of mainstream repertoire, Sinfonietta frequently draws attention to unjustly neglected or 'rediscovered' works. What sets Amsterdam Sinfonietta apart from the 'regular' chamber orchestras is the top priority it gives to a 'chamber music mentality'. Every one of its musicians assumes the responsibilities of a solo player. This approach gives a high level of involvement on the part of the musicians when they perform as an ensemble, resulting in performances of rare dynamism and intensity that involve the listener in a vibrant live music experience. Usually the ensemble plays without conductor under the direction of Candida Thompson, concertmaster since 1995, who was appointed artistic director in 2003.

Candida Thompson, artistic director and leader
Candida Thompson studied with David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she received her soloist's graduation diploma with honour. She developed her qualities further at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada and played with several international orchestras such as Moskow Chamber Orchestra, The English String Orchestra, Wiener Symphoniker, the Netherland Radio Chamber Orchestra and Amsterdam Sinfonietta. In the past years Candida has collaborating with artists such as Bruno Guiranna, Joseph Silverstein, Julian Rachlin, Frans Helmerson, Isabelle Faust, Xenia Jankovic and Janine Jansen. Candida Thompson was appointed Amsterdam Sinfonietta's artistic director and lead violin in the summer of 2003. The same year, Amsterdam Sinfonietta recorded the first CD under her leadership for Channel Classics with works by Tchaikovsky and Verdi. This CD became 'CD of the week' in The Observer, was awarded 10 out of 10 by Luister magazine and received an Editor's Choice in Gramophone magazine. In 2005 the ensemble recorded Beethoven’s String Quartet opus 135 together with the Walton Sonata for Strings. It was critically acclaimed and was awarded ‘CD of the month’ by the Gramophone magazine. Candida Thompson’s third release with Amsterdam Sinfonietta was a recording of new arrangements of Shostakovich’ String Quartets nos 2 and 4. This CD was chosen Best of the year disc by Audiophile Audition and received a 10/10 (Artistic Quality/Sound Quality) by Classics Today. About Amsterdam Sinfonietta’s latest CD, ‘The Bohemian Album’, which was released in May 2009, David Hurwitz wrote: ‘(...) I can’t recommend this incredibly gorgeous CD highly enough’ (Classics Today).