Biography
The German-Bohemian chamber music duo "duo-connessione" officially came into being following their inaugural performance on December 4, 2019. However, the musical partnership between the two soloists had already been flourishing since 2016. Specializing in the music of the 18th and 19th centuries, the duo's repertoire not only includes works by renowned classical and romantic European composers but also aims to revive the compositions of lesser-known figures from that era, both through live performances and CD releases. Their focus particularly gravitates towards the rich traditions of Bohemian and German music. Demonstrating versatility, their renditions grace both modern and historical instruments.
Beyond the realms of classical masterpieces, the duo embraces diverse musical genres, showcasing their prowess in 19th-century salon music and other popular music including klezmer, tango, ragtime, foxtrot, blues, and Irish folk on special occasions.
Carina Kaltenbach-Schonhardt, born in Freiburg, embarked on her musical journey under the tutelage of Antonio Pellegrini in Emmendingen. Following her Abitur, she pursued violin studies at the Karlsruhe University of Music under the guidance of Nachum Erlich and later Ulf Hoelscher, culminating in a concert exam. Further enriching her musical education, she pursued advanced studies with Yair Kless and Rainer Küchl in Vienna. Immersing herself in chamber music, she honed her skills through participation in masterclasses focused on both new and early music, notably at the Ensemble Academy of the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. It was during these formative experiences that she developed a profound appreciation for the baroque violin and the resonant tones of gut strings.
Her professional journey has seen her grace the orchestras of esteemed institutions such as the Mannheim National Theatre, the Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra, the Stuttgart International Bach Academy, and the Karlsruhe Baroque Orchestra. Beyond orchestral performances, she actively engages in chamber music ensembles and imparts her expertise as a freelance musician in Waldkirch.
The pianist and musicologist Tomáš Spurný, born in Strakonice to a family with deep musical roots, embarked on his musical odyssey at the Prague Conservatory under the mentorship of Prof. František Malý and delved into musicology at Charles University. His musical pursuits led him to further refine his skills in vocal accompaniment under Prof. Peter Nelson, followed by a dedicated study of early music, including the fortepiano under the esteemed guidance of Prof. Wolfgang Brunner at the Trossingen State Academy of Music.
During the period from 1999 to 2005, Tomáš Spurný shared his expertise as a piano instructor at various music schools in the Czech Republic, while also serving as a répétiteur at numerous musical masterclasses both domestically and abroad, including notable events like the "Rencontres Musicales Internationales d'Enghien" in Belgium and "Jugend musiziert" in Luxembourg.
His career as a vocal accompanist has seen him grace numerous festivals and concert stages across the Czech Republic, Germany, and Great Britain, leaving an indelible mark through recordings made for Czech Radio Prague and CD productions. Since settling in Denzlingen near Freiburg in 2005, he has continued to thrive as a freelancer.
Since 2015, Tomáš Spurný has also played an active role in guiding visitors through the collection of historical keyboard instruments at the castle in Bad Krozingen. Furthermore, since 2016, he has joined forces with violinist Carina Kaltenbach-Schonhardt in a harmonious artistic collaboration, showcasing their shared passion and dedication as a chamber music duo.
