Introduction

The Department of Early Music and Historical Performance Practice at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague offers students a unique opportunity to specialise in all theoretical and practical facets of early music, from the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the Early Romantic period.

The starting point is the music from the Baroque era, education on historical instruments or copies, and a technically excellent and stylistic performance of repertoire.
Research, study and knowledge of historical theory and Performance Practice are complementary to the practical study of early music singing or instruments.

In addition to the principal study and ensemble classes given by a core team of teachers, there is a great variety of masterclasses by internationally renowned specialists and guest teachers, giving all students both broad and specific coaching.
Every academic year there are two major orchestral projects: one project at a=415 for Baroque orchestra and another project at a=430 for Classical orchestra. Baroque specialists from within or outside the department are invited to conduct these projects. For all strings there is also an additional annual 'Concerto grosso' project at a=415, for all winds extra 'Harmonie Musik' projects at a=415 or a=430. Special courses in basso continuo, baroque dance, baroque gesture, historical documentation and specialised music theory for undergraduates and postgraduates complete the education.

Availability, diversity and the high level of education, together with a student body of more than 180 students from around 35 different countries from across the world, make the Department of Early Music and Historical Performance Practice world-renowned as one of today's leading institutions.

Johannes Boer, Coordinator of the department of Early Music.
tel: +31 (0) 70 3151408