The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra is recognised as one of Europe’s premier historically informed performance ensembles. Founded in 1987, the Grammy-nominated ensemble has some impressive achievements under its belt, with performances in venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, as well as appearances at several international music festivals.

Freiburg Baroque Orchestra performing on stage.

The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. Photo © Britt Schilling

It’s also has a unique link to Australia: the London-based Australian pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout took on the role of co-Artistic Director (alongside Gottfried von der Goltz) in 2017.

Ahead of its tour to Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra (its first since 2020), long-serving violinist Beatrix Hülsemann talks to Limelight about what’s in store.

How does it feel to be returning to Australia? Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to, musical or non-musical?

I am very much looking forward to returning to Australia. On my previous visits to Australia – two with the orchestra in Adelaide and Melbourne, one private to Sydney – the dominant feeling was ease; each time it felt somehow like coming back home. People are so welcoming, much...