My name is Ingo Nelken and I have been playing second flute in the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century since 2019.
As a child, I realised quite early on that I wanted to play the flute. I studied the modern flute in Hamburg and Cologne and subsequently worked for many years as a modern flutist. This included a stint at the Bonn Opera, where I was principal flutist for two years, and around 20 years with the Cologne Chamber Orchestra.
At first, I was quite sceptical about early music, as many people were at the time. But my friend took me to concerts and encouraged me to take a lesson with Michael Schmidt-Casdorff (principal flutist with the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century). I very quickly changed my mind, and my scepticism turned into love! Since then, I’ve played a great deal with Michael in all sorts of different ensembles, such as the Balthasar Neumann Orchestra, Capella Augustina, and of course the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century.
For me, O18c represents an incredible tradition, which began with Frans Brüggen and which we are now carrying on. It inspired me enormously to have played with Frans. He never said much, but showed everything. The performances of Rameau, in particular, were unforgettable. What’s more, there’s a real sense of family within the orchestra, which makes you feel valued as a musician and enables you to perform at your best.
As well as music, I enjoy good food and sport, particularly tennis and pilates.