Wilbert Hazelzet
has dedicated himself since 1970 exclusively to the baroque flauto traverso. He studied the ancient instrumental techniques and the performance of the music from the 18th century according to contemporary treatises about flute playing and singing. Considered by many as the world’s leading baroque flute player, in 1978 he became a member of Musica Antiqua Köln, and with this world-famous ensemble he appeared in Japan, India, China, the USA, Canada, and all over Europe, from Finland to Portugal and from Ireland to Russia.

He now forms permanent duos with harpsichordist Jacques Ogg and with lutenist Konrad Junghänel. He is the first flautist of Ton Koopman’s Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, has appeared for numerous radio and TV stations across the world and has recorded for several companies such as DGG, Erato, Harmonia Mundi, and, in recent years, Glossa. Wilbert Hazelzet is a Professor at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

Fantasticus
stands for intense expression and an affinity with bold, extravagant music.

Its core inspiration is drawn from the stylus fantasticus of the late 17th century. This was “a free and unrestrained method of composing”, in effect the liberation of instruments from the dominance of vocal music. Fantasticus enchants its audiences with the unsurpassed wonder and energy from that time.

Adventure and discovery were the spirit of the age and pervade every performance and programme of Fantasticus. This unique inspiration and an ensemble “in thrilling harmony with itself” is the secret of Fantasticus’ rare communicative power.