CzechMate unites four formidable performers to present an exceptional showcase of early Baroque gems.
The turn of the seventeenth century was one of the most revolutionary moments in Western music: old traditions gave way to bold new ideas, instruments with radical potential were invented, and composers passionately searched for ever more expressive forms.
Experience this innovative era with CzechMate — an ensemble formed specially for a 2026 Australian tour. Uniting Australian dulcian specialist Jane Gower, Danish Lars Ulrik Mortensen, and violinists Helena Zemanová (Czech Republic) and Julia Fredersdorff (Australia), this performance at Bundanon will bring the mercurial music of Castello, Fontana, Matteis, Bertali, Buchner and Schmelzer to life.
“Julia Fredersdorff’s expert touch and tone on the baroque violin … which she made sing and speak to us”– ClassikON
This performance is made possible with the support of the Sydney Opera House Trust.
CzechMate
Australian Jane Gower, principal bassoonist of many leading European historical instrument ensembles, has long collaborated with the Danish harpsichordist and conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen, beacon of the Early Music movement. Jane’s long-held fierce desire to expand the repertoire by a second violin led her to dear friend and colleague Helena Zemanová. Helena is the charismatic leader and solo violin of Czech ensemble Collegium 1704, founded by Václav Luks. She is also a frequent performer across southern Europe with groups including Gli Incogniti and L’Onda Armonica. Like Jane, violinist Julia Fredersdorff also made the pilgrimage to study at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague and built a successful European career. However it was only upon her return to Australia and her foundation of the wildly acclaimed Van Diemen’s Band that Jane encountered her. Bowled over by Julia’s beautiful sound, expressive depth and wisdom, Jane knew she’d found the perfect missing piece.
The Boyd Music Series
The Boyd Music Series presents a collection of the world’s leading chamber musicians and renowned soloists from eastern and western classical traditions, featuring Australian debut performances.
The series is curated by Genevieve Lacey and developed in collaboration with Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music Series. Returning for its second year in 2026, there will be six evocative concerts set against the backdrop of Bangli / the Shoalhaven River with Alexander Boyd, CzechMate, Sunny Kim’s Ensemble Ochaye, duo Liam Byrne and Laura Vaughan, Ensemble Offspring, and the Australian Guitar Quartet.
