Music and stories from Lisbon and Versailles

Baroque Unscripted

A concert and education project that brings Baroque music from Lisbon and Versailles to contemporary audiences through a combination of live performance, storytelling and visual elements, including a children’s programme. The project is designed to make classical music accessible and enjoyable for audiences without prior knowledge of the repertoire or its historical background.

Why perform Baroque music on the modern piano? 

I have always loved French Baroque keyboard music, but my own instrument is the modern piano. This inspired me to explore how this repertoire can be performed on the piano while remaining faithful to the composers’ intentions. My intention is not to replace the harpsichord, but to offer another perspective on this remarkable repertoire and introduce it to audiences who may be discovering Baroque music for the first time.
Come and listen to Baroque music on the modern Piano! It combines the lively richness of Baroque music with a fresh, warm and colourful sound for today’s audiences.

Recognition and Audience Response

“[Mariko’s] work helps introduce lesser-known Portuguese musical heritage to international audiences, and places it in a wider cultural and historical context. I believe this project this project has strong artistic value and makes an important contribution to cultural exchange.”

— Cristina do Carmo (Producer, Antena 2 – Portuguese National Radio)

Audience Feedback 

“I had never heard this music before, but the narration made it easy to follow and really enjoyable.”

“The combination of music and storytelling brought the history to life.”

“I would definitely come to another Baroque Unscripted concert.”

“Although I wasn’t familiar with this music, I really enjoyed both the performance and the narration.”

Reviews

“[The music] combines the lively richness of the baroque with a more modern and fresh sound, and does not sound dated.”

— Jeremy Condliffe (The Chronicle)

“[Mariko offers] fresh insights into the music.” 

— Yomiuri Newspaper (Japan)

“[Mariko plays with] delicate nuance and tremendous emotional depth. Real emotional weight , meltingly lovely.”

— Yomiuri Newspaper (Japan)