Jenny Eriksson

Born in Sydney, Australia, of Swedish-Australian heritage, Eriksson trained at Sydney Conservatorium as a cellist before taking up the viola da gamba. She then studied in The Netherlands for 3 years with Jaap ter Linden. Jenny is recogised as one of her nation's most innovative viola da gambists. She is the only Australian exponent of the electric viola da gamba & co-leads a 6-piece jazz ensemble, Elysian Fields (voice/violin; saxophone; electric viola da gamba; piano; bass guitar & drums). Elysian Fields' first CD, "What should I say", come out in 2018 followed by "FIKA" in 2020. In 2000 she formed The Marais Project with the aim of performing all Marais' solo works for viola da gamba, a task the ensemble are 85% through. They are, however, constantly embarking on side projects along the way including a highly regarded recording of Swedish music. The Marais Project has released 8 CDs. The latest is 'Two'. Jenny leads the Musica Viva in Schools ensemble, "Da Vinci's Apprentice", which tours Australian schools performing an original music theatre piece composed by Sally Greenaway & featuring singer/actor, theorbo, viola and gamba & cornetto. She has given almost 3,000 concerts with Musica Viva in Schools. As part of this work she undertook a study tour to "Music Norway". Eriksson has appeared as a soloist across Australia & in Singapore, New Zealand, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany & New Caledonia. She held a residence at the Banff Arts Centre. She lives in Sydney.