Retirement in the News

Seattle Weekly reports the retirement of Byron Schenkman from Seattle Baroque, a group he founded with violinist Ingrid Matthews in 1994. He says he's satisfied with where he's arrived as an early keyboard player ("I am, I think it's safe to say, one of the best harpsichordists in the world, and I get the recognition I would want for that."), and is ready for the next challenge. He's playing a lot of piano these days. While I've never met Byron, I know of his reputation as a very fine harpsichordist. I remember when he played a concert with Ingrid Matthews, his continuo completely memorized. Impressive, to say the least. It will be interesting to see who takes his place at Seattle Baroque.