Twelfth Night

“Bold, often brusque, always brilliant” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer), Twelfth Night is the newest period-instrument ensemble making a splash on concert stages at home and abroad. Based in New York City, the ensemble is dedicated to reanimating forgotten repertories as vivid, living art; bridging the past, present, and future. Co-founded and co-led by keyboardist and conductor David Belkovski and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, Twelfth Night presents programs ranging from intimate chamber configurations to full operatic and orchestral productions, all grounded in historically informed performance. Founded in 2021, the ensemble has already earned praise for its “zesty, impeccable playing” and “sensitivity and virtuosity” (New York Classical Review).

Both artistic directors are regarded as leading young representatives of early music. Wong made history in 2020 as the only Baroque violinist ever to receive an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and she continues to distinguish herself internationally on both modern and period violins. Belkovski, born in Skopje and trained in both folk and classical traditions, has gained recognition as a dynamic conductor, continuo player, and composer. In 2024, the duo co-directed the New World Symphony in a landmark period-instrument program, and they have since led projects with other major ensembles. Recent appearances include Cal Performances (with cellist Coleman Itzkoff during the 2022–23 season), Carnegie Hall, Caramoor, the Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City, and the Newport Classical Festival. Looking ahead, Twelfth Night will make its Philadelphia debut at Penn Live Arts, return to Carnegie Hall, and launch new productions exploring lesser-known Baroque operas and chamber works.

At its heart, Twelfth Night is more than a historical ensemble: it is a revel of musical community, where old voices speak freshly and new ones resonate with echoes of history.