"Wonderfully melodic and beautifully crafted....the instruments converse and blend with exceptional grace"
(Sarah Walker, BBC Radio 3, Classical Collection 20.3.08)

"Sadly Cornwall did not provide sunshine this August. However, thanks to the rays of sunshine that emanated from the Harmoniemusik group of musicians - all high-quality professionals from London - the rain was forgotten. For three nights in August the beautiful church was filled with thrilling, high quality music with, as usual, some delightful surprises. I know the musicians love coming to Cornwall, and Cornwall loves having them. We know them, they know us, so that each concert not only shines as a yearly musical beacon but almost as a family reunion. Long may it continue."
(Alan Cooper Cornish Guardian. Oct 1st 2008)

In 1991 a group of musicians was invited to put on chamber music concerts on board a ship cruising the Mediterranean and after serenading the passengers for two weeks decided to form a permanent ensemble. Since then, the core players of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon have been joined by pianist and presenter Paul Guinery.

Variety in programming has always been a feature of Harmoniemusik's concerts, and works performed have ranged from solos and duos to Mozart piano concertos and Haydn symphonies as the group expands to become a mini orchestra. The pieces they play span the centuries - from baroque sonatas of the early eighteenth century to works written specially for them. A highlight in the ensemble's history was a performance at the Philharmonie in Cologne, when they joined the celebrated German a capella group The Wise Guys in a sell-out concert.

Harmoniemusik enjoys performing in unusual venues. Following the cruise experience the group has given concerts in the Republic of Yemen, Berlin, and many other German towns and cities, the Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham, Regency Town House in Brighton, as well as various barns, gardens, stately homes, halls and arts centres. A favourite venue is the Parish Church of St Columb in Cornwall, where since 1992 Harmoniemusik has promoted a chamber music festival and enjoyed the surfing, pasties and cream teas that are a necessary part of the experience. Over the last few years a new venture has been tried out in Cornwall as the players visit schools with a dozen or so instruments to demonstrate and play to children at both primary and secondary levels.

That spirit of communication is alive at all Harmoniemusik's concerts. Every member of the group takes a turn in introducing the various pieces and this direct and approachable presentation is always received warmly by the audience.

Harmoniemusik has recorded two CDs. Both are as full of variety as you might expect and have been played frequently on BBC Radio 3 besides classical music programmes recorded for airlines.

The 2009 diary includes concerts in London, (including our first appearance at the Conway Hall), Cornwall and a short tour to France.