Wessex Baroque Collective

Founded in 2024 by harpsichordist David Gostick and violinist Emma-Marie Kabanova, Wessex Baroque Collective has quickly established a reputation for artistic excellence and imaginative programming. Based in the South West, it is the region’s only professional early music ensemble, providing opportunities for local specialist musicians and access to historically informed performance for regional audiences. Operating as a flexible collective, the ensemble collaborates with additional artists as needed and is well placed to undertake choral projects through David Gostick’s work with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir.

David Gostick, Harpsichord:
David is a freelance conductor, keyboard player, and musicologist. He leads several amateur choirs, including the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir, and has conducted major works with the Portsmouth Choral Union and Medici Choir. An experienced continuo player with period ensembles such as Brandenburg Baroque Soloists and Salisbury Baroque, David holds a PhD from the University of Southampton, focusing on 18th-century provincial music-making.

Emma-Marie Kabanova, Violin:
A graduate of Goldsmiths College, University of London, Emma-Marie trained in baroque violin in Sweden, and Venice. Formerly the artistic director of Globus Music Baroque Ensemble and a guest principal with the Moscow Baroque Soloists, she has performed internationally as a soloist and with orchestras. Her community projects in Russia earned her a UK ‘Points of Light’ award.

Cecily Moorsom, Recorder:
An alumna of the University of Oxford and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Cecily has played recorder since childhood. Passionate about showcasing its diverse repertoire, she has performed at notable venues such as the Sheldonian Theatre, Milton Court, and the Ashmolean Museum.

Christine Land, Cello:
Born in Bremen, Germany, Christine began her musical journey with the recorder before taking up the cello. Educated at leading German institutions and having performed with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, she now specializes in both modern and baroque cello, frequently collaborating with groups like the Linden Baroque Orchestra and Consort of 12.

Matthew Nisbet, Theorbo:
Matthew trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Manchester University, and Indiana University (Bloomington) with Nigel North, Matthew performs with leading UK period ensembles including The King’s Consort, Ex Cathedra, The Dunedin Consort, and I Fagiolini. He is a member of the lute quartet Chordophony.

Angela Hicks, Soprano:
Angela is a renowned early music specialist. She made her operatic debut at La Scala and has since performed at venues including Wigmore Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie. Her collaborations with ensembles such as The Monteverdi Choir and the King’s Consort, as well as her appearance in the film The Favourite, have cemented her reputation.