Forthcoming: Performing edition of L’incoronazione di Poppea (Workshopped in full staging, Trentino Music Festival 2022)

COLLABORATION. STYLE. ENERGY. INTEGRITY. RESPECT.

These words represent my my artistic goals for all of my projects, regardless of the origin of the musical score, the experience level of the groups I lead, or the part of the world I find myself working in.

Historically informed performance practice, certainly that of the baroque era but also of non-Western and popular traditions, has brought us to a wonderful moment for artists who wish to create magic in the theatre and concert hall from the intersection of personalities and ideas. As a conductor I shape and encourage this process, both with specialist performers and with those who simply approach their work with focus, enthusiasm, and an open mind.

Though I explore, and coach singers, in repertoire ranging from Monteverdi to Mazzoli and everything in between, my passion for the music of the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly Handel, and for the extraordinarily rich performance traditions of Argentine tango music, inform and inspire my creative approach to all musical periods and to the premieres that composers entrust me with.

Musicians are uniquely equipped to be a positive example of respect and flexible leadership in the world, and it is humbling to continue the work of those who set this example for centuries. I seek colleagues who believe in and strive to embody these principles too.

“I also really like the fact that the delicate harpsichord can be heard in the Berlin State Opera not only in the recitatives, but also in the arias and ensembles; these silvery threads that this instrument weaves into the music really characterize the color decisively.” [Idomeneo under Sir Simon Rattle, production David McVicar]

Kirsten Liese, klassik-begeistert.de (2023)

“on cembalo, as guest [with Staatskapelle Berlin]… in the third concerto, where Bach wrote only two chords between the movements, he contributed a lovely solo [to the Brandenburg Concerti under Sir András Schiff]”

Andreas Göbel, RBB Kultur Deutschland (2022)

“perfect [harpsichord] accompaniment, without which the [Steglitzer Tage Alter Musik] would not have achieved such an excellent presentation”

Adelheid Krause-Pichler, Neue Musikzeitung (2019)

“perfectly harmonized in an ideal mix of ladies’ voices, the [Cape Town Opera] singers could lean on [Ribchester] who accompanied them magisterially”

Rainer Kellmayer, Esslinger Zeitung (2019)

“Serendipitous is the best way to describe [this] newly formed collaboration…[he] brings out the best in Cape Town Opera…an enviable reputation in Italy, Germany, and the US…all to the good for opera lovers”

Beverley Brommert, Cape Times (2019)

"...clear beat and shapely direction...great expectations [from the musicians] and an involvement fully formed" (Shakespeare Concerts 2017, Jordan Hall, Boston)

Lee Eiseman, The Boston Musical Intelligencer

"...gave the whole evening an elegant sense of shape, letting the music breathe when it needed to, while providing a sense of forward momentum...and delivering precise harmonies in ensembles." (The Chocolate Soldier, 2015, Concert Operetta Theater)

David Fox, Reclining Standards

"characterful...looked and sounded appropriate in this silent-movie venue" (Les contes d'Hoffmann, 2016, Opera on Tap Berlin)

Opera Magazine

"Superbly conducted...his small chamber orchestra provided a solid sonic foundation for a well-chosen cast." (Le nozze di Figaro, 2013, Delaware Valley Opera Company)

Michael Caruso, Chestnut Hill Local

"One of the most enjoyable performances I've heard from this fine organization." (Cyrano de Bergerac, 2014, Concert Operetta Theater)

Steve Cohen, Broad Street Review

"This is an exceptionally moving CD. Extremely inventive and emotional… captures the plaintiveness [of American folk music]. At other times, the vibrancy of Eastern European dance music” (The Russian Cello, with cellist Cassia Harvey, released 2016)

Anonymous reviewer, amazon.com

"[Ribchester and Leonardo Suarez Paz are] both obvious masters of their art...the tango they created at dusk made me melt in my seat." (Bryant Park Fall Festival)

Failing Fashionista, New York City

"Utter self-confidence and passionate commitment to the composer and score...beyond perfected technique, a personal esthetic vision." 

William Conville, Newtown Square Life

main photo credit: Nikolai Fox

http://piperartists.com

(Mitchell Piper mitchell@piperartists.com )