Statement by Franziska Fleischanderl, Ambassador 2025

When I saw my unrestored salterio, an original from 1725, for the first time, I was immediately hypnotized by its enigmatic aura. What was it that drew me so inevitably to this instrument? It was its hidden secrets and unrevealed beauty: the golden sparkle that shone through the thick dust, the vitality it radiated despite the missing strings and cracks, and above all the hidden storyteller it must be. What events, composers, rooms, players and ensembles must this salterio have experienced and what sounds did it produce? I saw a truly hidden treasure in this instrument, just waiting to be discovered to our surprise and delight!

This personal story applies perfectly to the performance of Early Music in general. I think the scores are just waiting for us to bring them back to life. We are constantly working to uncover hidden treasures - pieces, interpretations, sounds, ensemble formations. Our task is to be well informed, but even more so to open our minds and hearts to feel the spirit of this music on a deeper level, because we will never know everything about the musical performances of centuries long past. But this is precisely the space for our personal creativity that ultimately makes the great magic of Early Music: that centuries-old pieces still speak to us so vividly!

It is a great honor for me to be an ambassador for Early Music Day 2025 - especially as my salterio, the actual ambassador, is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year. Let's keep discovering many hidden beauties!

Franziska Fleischanderl — 2025 Ambassador