Antonio Clares

My name is Antonio Clares and I have been playing the viola in the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century since 2007. I also work as a freelance violist and hold a post as a lecturer in viola and chamber music at the Conservatoire of Murcia (Spain). With my chamber music ensemble, La Tempestad, we specialise in the early Classical repertoire.

Music has always been a part of our family. My father played bass guitar in a rock band that was very popular in my hometown of Murcia. He didn’t pursue it professionally, but all his children have gone on to have careers in music. I myself initially considered studying architecture, but in the end, music won me over. After studying the violin, I spent some time playing in the first violins of a symphony orchestra. However, I soon realised that life as a full-time orchestral musician wasn’t for me. At that point, I decided to take up the viola and to focus primarily on chamber music and teaching.

During that same period, I also discovered Baroque music. This style of playing felt so much better physically, and the music itself took centre stage rather than the purely instrumental aspect. Wim ten Have (the former principal violist with the O18c) was teaching in Salamanca, and I continued my studies with him. I soon began working as a freelancer with the EUBO, Ton Koopman’s ABO, Orquesta Barroca de Sevilla, La Real Cámara, Forma Antiqva and, later, with the O18c as well. At that time, I was the first of a new generation in the orchestra. That was very special. The tradition and style of playing were so powerful. It was incredible to be part of that. With every piece, Frans knew how to create a sense of tension from start to finish. He brought clarity, meaning and character to the music. In the O18c, the musicians have a strong bond between them and a sense of loyalty. I feel musically fulfilled when I play with the orchestra; I can give it my all.

As well as playing myself, I have a great passion for teaching. It gives me enormous satisfaction to help young people develop, and to guide them, where possible, towards a career in the music world.