Penelope Spencer

Born in New Zealand, Penelope won a scholarship in 1991 to study baroque violin with Sigiswald Kuijken, at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Graduating with the soloists qualification (Uitvoerende Musicus) 'cum laudae' in 1998, Penelope worked in baroque orchestras across Europe, in particular those directed by Sigiswald Kuijken and Gustav Leonhardt.

In 2000 Penelope started an engagement with the English Baroque Soloists, directed by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the first year of which included over 80 concerts and CD recordings in across Europe and in the United States, comprising a landmark project to perform and record all of Bach's 200 cantatas in one year.

In 2004, Penelope initiated Realm of Music, which was born of a desire to bring her passion for baroque music to more people on a more personal level. Realm of Music events feature beautiful music played on period instruments in small and exquisite venues, with elegant catering and informative listening guides to enhance the evening's experience.

Since February 2008, Penelope has also been performing as concert master with The New London Consort and the Musicians of the Globe, both directed by Philip Pickett.

"Violinist Penelope Spencer added to the effect, standing centre stage for her long obbligato passages, which were excpressively played from memory and in dialogue with the vocalists. This made for touching moments and a sense of engagement with the audience"

The Australian, Feb 2008

Publicity photos (click for larger versions):