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"Virtuoso technique, an instinctive feeling for the idiom, and the courage to improvise…they play with energy, splendid ensemble, good humor and imagination." -
The Washington Post
Ensemble Galilei takes its name and inspiration from the life of composer Vincenzo Galilei, whose influence, some four hundred years ago, helped restore a vital element of passion to the music of the day.
Including both classically-trained and traditional musicians, the Ensemble infuses ancient music with a spirit of improvisation and liveliness. National Public Radio's Performance Today said, "There's an ease about the way they play that seems to break down the barriers that normally exist between the audience and the performer. The repertoire is very engaging, and the audience is clearly enthusiastic." Their performances move flawlessly from lush Baroque interpretations of 18th century Irish airs to infectious reels and jigs, from haunting Welsh melodies to Galician Waltzes and Breton dance tunes, stitching a tapestry of texture, harmony, and rhythm.
To achieve their unique Celtic sound, Ensemble Galilei has melded the elegance of chamber music with the energy and excitement of traditional music. An intricate blend of instruments—fiddle, Celtic harp, Scottish small pipes, recorders, penny-whistle, oboe, viola da gamba and percussion—grants listeners passage to another world, evoking musical images of the ancient Celts and bringing these images to life for today's audiences.
Ensemble Galilei recorded Holiday and seasonal music A Winter's Night on the Maggie's Music label with the musicians pictured to the right: Liz Knowles, fiddle, viola;
Deborah Nuse, Scottish small pipes, fiddle;
Sue Richards, Celtic Harp;Carolyn Anderson Surrick, viols and
Sarah Weiner, oboe, recorder. Currently on national tour, their lineup
includes Katheryn Montoya on baroque oboe, recorder and pennywhistle, National Scottish Fiddle Champion (1997) Hanneke Cassel
and special guest Neal Cohen from NPR's Talk of the
Nation.
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Ensemble Galilei 
Here
is the original Ensemble Galilei in its first incarnation
when they recorded
