Robert Petre

Robert Petre

harpsichord

Robert Petre is a founding member of Restoration, and has specialized in the harpsichord and its repertoire from the 16th–18th centuries for over 30 years. After completing degrees in music and languages he continued harpsichord studies in Europe and North America, where his teachers included Gerhardt Kastner (Berlin) and Colin Tilney (Toronto), and he participated in courses and masterclasses given by Gustav Leonhardt, Kenneth Gilbert, Robert Kohnen, the Kuijken broth­ers, Jordi Savall, Wendy Hilton and others. He has worked as soloist and con­tinuo player with numerous ensembles in New Zealand, including NZ Barok, and was co-director of St Paul’s Baroque orchestra. He has made numerous solo recordings for Radio New Zealand, and CDs with NZ Barok and Restoration, including Rameau’s complete Pièces de clavecin en concerts. His articles on baroque music and dance, and his edition of Purcell’s The Harpsichord Master have been published in London and in Wel­lington, where he also teaches the harpsichord.

  • “He is, quite simply, a superb artist … playing of subtlety and authority”

    Dominion

  • “An acknowledged master of the harpsichord”

    Evening Post

  • “Commanding harpsichord playing of virtuoso dexterity”

    Dominion

  • “Petre’s fine use of articulation to point up phrasing and texture, and his musicianly flexibility, were particularly evident”

    NZ Listener

  • “Robert Petre's playing is extremely stylish: a rare treat to hear playing that combines historically accurate playing styles with an understanding for the music itself”

    Pressing On, Radio New Zealand

  • “Robert Petre's continuo was a consistent joy”