the marais project

Founded by Jennifer Eriksson in 2000, the purpose of The Marais Project is to perform the works of Marin Marais and his contemporaries, and other music for the viola da gamba, in a modern-day Australian context.

To date, concerts have included collaborations with other artists and art forms, including French poetry, baroque dance, jazz musician Kevin Hunt, World Music legends, Mara! and contemporary ceramic artist Barbara Campbell-Allen.

One of the highlights of the series has been the commissioning of new works especially written for the project by Australian composers Stephen Yates, Matthew Perry and Kevin Hunt. In 2009 The Marais Project will première a new work by Rosalind Page, commissioned by Ars Musica Australis.

Along with regular Marais Project members Tommie Andersson, Belinda Montgomery and Catherine Tabrett, Guest Artists in 2009 include The Early Dance Consort, violinist Fiona Ziegler, master-gambist Daniel Yeadon, harpsichordist Chris Berensen and soprano Jane Sheldon.

2009 concert series

Concert 1 will take place during Easter week and feature two performances of François Couperin’s wonderful settings of ancient Easter texts for one and two sopranos and viola da gamba.

Concert 2 sees the return of gambist Daniel Yeadon and The Early Dance Consort for an afternoon of music for two viols and dance.

Concert 3 will consists of consort music for viols and violin featuring Fiona Ziegler as well as the first performance of Rosalind Page’s new work.

Full concert details and booking information can be found on our events page

project history

The idea for The Marais Project originated in 2000, the year of the Sydney Olympics. With all the emphasis on athletic achievement, Jennifer Eriksson had the aspiration to set herself a significant artistic challenge.

This idea resulted in The Marais Project, an ongoing series of concerts that would promote the viola da gamba and its music, and extend her own technique and artistic stamina. The Marais Project has appeared live twice on The Music Show with Andrew Ford and as featured artists on ABCFM on several occasions.

In 2006 they were commissioned by ABCFM to produce a studio concert for broadcast in celebration of Marin Marais’ 350th birthday.

In 2007 The Project released their first CD, “Viol Dreaming”. The Marais Project will commence recording its second CD in May 2009.