Go Go Theorbo

Award winning ensemble Affetto, based in Auckland and Hamilton, has commissioned Wellington luthier Jason Petty to make a Theorbo for the group, and we're seeking funding for the first stage of acquiring this incredible instrument.

Affetto is an early music group, which means we play music from the 16th and 17th centuries, on the old instruments from this time.  You'll see our wonderful instruments on the video, Pete plays cornetto and Baroque Trumpet, Polly plays all members of the viola da gamba family, Rachael plays the harpsichord and organ, and Jayne is our singer.  We're all professional musicians, trained overseas, known New Zealandly as experts in our fields, and all very passionate about early music.

We play with the belief that music from this era is made more vivid, brilliant and musical when played on authentic instruments, from people who live and breathe the style of this music.  A recent review of us said  "Affetto perform with an expertise, a playfulness and joy that can only come from the deepest love of, and for, what they do" (Theatreview 2013).  But we feel there is something missing....Adding a theorbo to our group will mean we can bring more of this amazing music to life.

A Theorbo is a plucked bass instrument, and was at its zenith in the 17th and 18th century, from opera to chamber music, as a normal part of the baroque ensemble. It's a visually stunning instrument, would increase our repertoire range, adding a fantastic sound colour to the group, and be of benefit not only to the Auckland and Hamilton early music scene, but also New Zealandly as Affetto does more and more touring. Jason Petty will be making what we believe to be the first Theorbo made in New Zealand.

We have loads of supporters out there (yes, that's you!)

We have loads of supporters out there (yes, that's you!), and hope you'll all help us, in whatever way you can.  We hope to debut our Theorbo in March 2014, but we're keen to meet our supporters and fans from outside Auckland and Hamilton, and if we can come to your town and show off our new Theorbo when we get it, we'd love to!