New COE Members!
Following our stint at the Herbstgold Festival in September 2024, we were absolutely thrilled that Benoit de Barsony joined the COE family as Principal Horn! He shares the position at 50% with Jasper de Waal. Benoit is currently Principal Horn at the Orchestre de Paris and has just been appointed Professor at the Conservatoire de Paris Cnsmdp.
Benoit said: “After seven years of guest projects, I’m very proud to become a member of the COE! I have been able to experience such incredible moments of music with this orchestra that is already steeped in history and at the same time very modern in its artistic choices. The mix of all these artistic personalities of all nationalities creates something unique and powerful.”
A few days later, at the end of our stay in Kronberg where we performed 5 concerts at the Kronberg Academy Festival, we were absolutely thrilled that Maria Włoszczowska joined the orchestra as Leader/Director, sharing the position at 50% with Lorenza Borrani! Maria is just as enthusiastic as we are and said: “What an adventure to look forward to! I’m so grateful to the COE for their trust, openness and warmth. To be welcomed with such a positive spirit by a group I’ve listened to and admired most of my life is a dream come true.”
A very warm welcome from us all at the COE, Benoit and Maria!