Trio Picolit

Trio Picolit is a chamber ensemble founded in 2020 in the Netherlands by passionate and professional musicians: Tineke Roseboom (soprano), Mattia Corso (violone) and Earl Christy (theorbo).

The Trio’s repertoire is drawn primarily from the music composed in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Concerts, which illustrate historical, cultural and theological subjects, include music by iconic composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Claudio Monteverdi as well as lesser-known composers such as Tarquinio Merula and Nicolas Vallet.

Trio Picolit seeks to communicate the spirit of the Renaissance and Baroque eras by striving for excellence in performance and programming. Its members have been trained at the finest music conservatories in the Netherlands and all have a special interest in the performance practices of early music. In order to achieve their vivid and genuine interpretations, the musicians play on authentic instruments from the era. Moreover, they make unorthodox programmes and, rather than be beholden to early music dogma, reimagine repertoire in the style of Trio Picolit, daring to innovate with sound while preserving and paying tribute to the early music tradition.

‘Picolit’ alludes to a tiny, delicate wine variety from the northeast of Italy, which has had a worldwide reputation since the 18th century when it was served to the clergy and in royal courts from Great Britain to the Russian Empire. Picolit plays on the idea that a great musical experience should feel like a sweet, fabulous wine, and they aim to offer their audiences a taste of the rich and colorful flavors of the early music. 

“The Viol, in the hands of an excellent violist may be reckoned one of the best musical instruments.”

Christopher Simpson

“If music be the food of love, sing on ’till I am filled with joy.

Henry Heveningham

As sweet, and musical, as bright Apollo’s lute, strung with his hair; and when Love speaks, the voice of all the gods makes heaven drowsy with the harmony.

William Shakespeare