The H Ensemble

Programming champions 17th‑century violin music, especially works featuring ground bass and virtuoso passagework, alongside pastoral and folk melodies. They premiered Ground in April 2025 with concerts at venues such as St John’s Church, St Leonards and Stone Nest, showcasing the full ensemble. Reviews highlighted the seamless interplay between baroque complexity and folk directness—particularly between Harman and Goldsmith—and the ensemble's ability to interpret both early and modern idioms with equal authenticity and flair.
Featuring:
Holly Harman (baroque violin)
Carina Cosgrave (violone / bass)
Oliver John "OJ" Ruthven (harpsichord)
Kristiina Watt (theorbo)
Sid Goldsmith (cittern and vocals)
Biography
The H Ensemble is a small, UK‑based early music collective that brings together baroque virtuosity, folk energy, and imaginative programming. Originally assembled in support of Holly Harman’s solo album Ground (released on Penny Fiddle Records, April 2025), The H Ensemble grew from collaborations between accomplished early music specialists and folk‑inspired artists. The ensemble reflects Harman’s vision: combining baroque repertoire (such as works by Nicola Matteis, Heinrich Biber, Marco Uccellini) with folk‑rooted tunes arranged or composed by Sid Goldsmith, as well as contemporary commissions like Get Thee To The Trees by Alice Zawadzki.
Programming champions 17th‑century violin music, especially works featuring ground bass and virtuoso passagework, alongside pastoral and folk melodies. They premiered Ground in April 2025 with concerts at venues such as St John’s Church, St Leonards and Stone Nest, showcasing the full ensemble. Reviews highlighted the seamless interplay between baroque complexity and folk directness—particularly between Harman and Goldsmith—and the ensemble's ability to interpret both early and modern idioms with equal authenticity and flair.
Featuring:
Holly Harman (baroque violin)
Carina Cosgrave (violone / bass)
Oliver John "OJ" Ruthven (harpsichord)
Kristiina Watt (theorbo)
Sid Goldsmith (cittern and vocals)