Cornelia Demmer was born in Vienna, Austria. She completed her studies in musicology in Vienna and Basel and in historical performance practice (majoring in lute) at the University of Music and Theatre Munich with Evangelina Mascardi. She then completed the master’s programmes in musical performance and music pedagogy at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis with Peter Croton and Julian Behr.

She is the artistic director of the internationally concertising Casulana Lute Consort, which made its debut at the Musikfest Eichstätt 2023 with great success.

In addition to her international concert activities as a soloist and continuo player (Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Ars Antiqua Austria, Kammerorchester Basel, Les Passions de l’Âme and others), she can also be heard on CD recordings for the labels Naxos, Musique en Wallonie and Coviello Classics. The current CD Roland de Lassus – Io ti vorria contar… Transcriptions pour luth – lute duos and trios with Evangelina Mascardi and Frédéric Zigante – was awarded the Diapason d`Or.

Cornelia Demmer teaches with great passion both at the Freiburg University of Music and on courses, with ensemble playing forming an important part of her work.

Further information about Cornelia Demmer can be found at:

https://corneliademmer.grwebsite.eu/

About The Class

Lute instruments – solo lessons
This class is aimed at lutenists who wish to work intensively on the repertoire specific to their instrument. In addition to playing technique, sound quality and musical language, topics such as posture, breathing, perception and presence are also dealt with. Participants are explicitly encouraged to register as a duo or trio. If questions of continuo practice are to be deepened, please contact possible chamber music partners in advance. Guitarists who would like to work on pieces from the early music repertoire are also welcome. Lute instruments can also be made available to try out during the Summer School. 

Consort
Special attention is paid to making music together, creating a homogeneous sound and practising the skills required for this. The participants are divided into groups according to their instruments and playing levels. The repertoire will be determined in advance and sheet music will be sent. Especially lutenists without experience in consort playing are encouraged to join this course. Guitar and lute instruments are not combined – interested guitarists should contact the teacher in advance.
Both courses can be taken independently of each other.

Suggested Repertoire

Solo or chamber music pieces (duets etc.) from the 16th – 18th century repertoire for renaissance lute, vihuela, archlute, theorbo, baroque lute or baroque guitar. Vocal or instrumental works in which a lute instrument plays the basso continuo part.
Please get in touch with the teacher if help is needed, especially with duo and trio-repertoire. The music for the consort will be provided by the teacher.

Level Of Skills Required

Beginners, intermediate, advanced and professionals

Maximum number of students

6 (single lessons), 8 (consort)

Teaching Languages

German, English