La Gioconda

Their first common performance (at that time still under te name of 'ensemble vezzoso') was at Melk, at the 6th International Heinrich-Schmelzer Competition. On that occasion, the ensemble was awarded the Special Prize for ensembles.

Meanwhile, 'La Gioconda' has developed a versatile concert repertoire both of sacred and secular baroque music with Margot Oitzinger, voice, Lucia Froihofer, baroque violin, Barbara Reiter, baroque cello, and Annemarie Dragosits, harpsichord. The ensemble is planning to release their first CD with G. Ph. Telemann cantatas.

The Austrian musicians graduated from famous centers of early music in Europe and the USA. Today they perform with chamber music ensembles and various baroque orchestras throughout Europe. Apart from their very busy concert activities they pass on their skills and expertise at the University of Music and Dramatic Arts Graz, Austria.

Soprano Margot Oitzinger won the second prize at the 16th International Johann Seb. Bach Competition in Leipzig.

Lucia Froihofer, Monika Tóth, Gunda Hagmüller, violas
Eugene Michelangeli, cembalo
Barbara Reiter, violoncello