Philippe Pierlot

Philippe Pierlot is a renowned Belgian viola da gamba player and conductor, celebrated for his work in historically informed performance. Born in Liège, Pierlot's musical journey began with self-taught guitar and lute, but it was his study of the viola da gamba under the tutelage of Wieland Kuijken that truly defined his career. As the director of the Ricercar Consort, Pierlot has dedicated much of his work to the rich repertoire of the 17th century, bringing to light lesser-known compositions and offering fresh interpretations of familiar works. His versatility extends to conducting and performing on the rare baryton, an instrument for which Haydn composed over 150 pieces. Pierlot's contributions to the music world are extensive, including academic teaching at the royal conservatories of The Hague and Brussels, and his influence can be heard in both historical and contemporary compositions. Whether exploring the depths of Baroque music or engaging with modern works, Philippe Pierlot's performances are marked by a deep understanding and passionate commitment to the art of historically informed performance.