Palace Music: Early music group Floridante
Early music group Floridante
Kadri Tegelmann – mezzo-soprano
Paul Daniel – guitar
Saale Fischer – harpsichord
Villu Vihermäe – viola da gamba
Program: H. Purcell, B. Strozzi, Björk, P. Daniel (premiere), folk songs
Floridante is an Estonian Early Music ensemble founded in Tallinn in 2014. It is anchored by two core members: harpsichordist Saale Fischer and viola da gamba and cello player Villu Vihermäe.
The ensemble brings together several dozen professional Estonian musicians united by their passion for Early Music. Alongside various chamber formations, the Floridante Baroque Orchestra was established in 2020, followed by the Floridante Consort vocal ensemble in 2021. Since 2022, violinists Aira Maria Lehtipuu and Anthony Marini, both based in Finland, have been integral contributors to Floridante’s artistic programmes.
Although named after G. F. Händel’s opera Floridante, the ensemble’s repertoire extends far beyond the German High Baroque, encompassing music from the Renaissance to contemporary premieres. Among its notable projects is a programme dedicated to little-known Baltic-German Lied composers, developed in collaboration with the Estonian National Library.
In 2022, Floridante premiered its Estonian Baroque programme at the Usedomer Musikfestival (recorded by NDR), performing with nyckelharpa virtuoso Marco Ambrosini. The following year, the ensemble took part in the reconstruction and performance of Claudio Monteverdi’s lost opera Arianna, realized by Andrew Lawrence-King and presented with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir. Also in 2023, Floridante launched the long-term project Estonian Miniatures, commissioning new works for historical instruments by contemporary Estonian composers.
In 2024, Floridante initiated a crossover production Re-Sound Love, created in collaboration with hip-hop artist Genka, DJ Paul Oja, and mezzo-soprano Kadri Tegelmann. The same year, the ensemble performed a cantata by Kaisa Ling and Mingo Rajandi for vocalist, electric guitar, harpsichord, and viola da gamba.
Floridante frequently collaborates with leading Estonian soloists, including sopranos Maria Valdmaa and Maria Listra, mezzo-sopranos Kadri Tegelmann and Tuuri Dede, baritone Alvar Tiisler, and violinists Hans Christian Aavik and Federico Mechelli Uhl. Guest artists have included Ragnhild Hemsing (Hardanger fiddle), Peter Spissky (violin), and Guy Cutting (tenor), among others.
Its debut CD, Amarilli mia bella, was released in 2019 by Estonian Record Production, and many of its concerts have been recorded or broadcast by Estonian National Broadcasting.
Since 2015, it has been the ensemble-in-residence and a collaborative partner at the Haapsalu Early Music Festival. From July 2025, Saale Fischer serves as Artistic Director of the Haapsalu Early Music Festival. Additionally, since 2016, Villu Vihermäe has led the annual viola da gamba workshop and festival Gambavaim on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa.
Floridante is a member of the Estonian Music Council and Music Estonia.
Kadriorg Palace is one the most well known and beautiful historic concert halls in Estonia offering memorable music experiences already for many decades. The tradition of performing music in the baroque palace goes back to 18th century when court music accompanied the daily life. The palace has had the pleasure to welcome many international artists and ensembles for outstanding performances.
