English Baroque Soloists

For over 40 years, the English Baroque Soloists (EBS) has been one of the most innovative period-instrument ensembles, consistently challenging the preconceptions of audiences around the world.

Equally at home in chamber, symphonic and operatic repertoire, its distinctively warm and incisive playing is instantly recognisable in music ranging from Monteverdi to Mozart. The orchestra has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Sydney Opera House.

Highlights of 2025 included Mozart symphonies and double piano concerto with Marc Minkowksi and the Labèque sisters, Bach's 1725 cantatas with Masaaki Suzuki, and ‘Sing to the Lord a new song’, a programme of Bach, Purcell and Handel which toured to Aldeburgh, the Edinburgh International Festival and the recently-renovated North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. The year culminated with the orchestra’s first performances of Handel’s Messiah in almost three decades, touring to Paris, Rome, Milan and London, conducted by Christophe Rousset.

In September 2025, MCO’s own record label, Soli Deo Gloria, released its first recording of the EBS since the pandemic – a disc of Charpentier Christmas music, recently selected as the benchmark recording of his Messe de Minuit pour Noël by France Musique. The album was recorded in December 2024 during a European tour conducted by Christophe Rousset, with performances described as 'joyous and immaculate' (The Guardian), 'a refined festive celebration' (The Times) and 'an enchanting musical journey, showcasing their exceptional artistry and energy' (Operawire).

The orchestra’s 2026 commences with Bach’s St John Passion conducted by Peter Whelan in Barcelona, Budapest and London. In May, Jonathan Sells returns to conduct an immersive production of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, directed by Andrew Staples, in the dry dock of Cutty Sark in Greenwich, and on tour at the Bergen International Festival in Norway. In June, a programme exploring Haydn's time in London will be conducted by Peter Whelan, joined by cello soloist Christophe Coin. In the autumn, Christophe Rousset will conduct Handel’s Theodora on a tour to South America, and in the UK with concerts in London and Oxford, the latter as part of the inaugural season at the new Sohmen Concert Hall in the Schwarzman Centre, Oxford.

Founded in 1978 by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the EBS were part of the iconic Bach Cantata Pilgrimage in 2000 alongside the Monteverdi Choir, performing all of Bach’s sacred cantatas throughout Europe (recorded for Soli Deo Gloria). They have participated in major opera productions alongside the Monteverdi Choir in works by Handel, Purcell and Monteverdi, and made the earliest recording of Mozart's complete piano concertos on period instruments, as well as his greatest operas for Deutsche Grammophon.

"The strings created a beautifully earthy sound."

New York Times

"The orchestra played dextrously...Every detail could be heard."

The Times