– RENAISSANCE LUTENIST –
latest recordings
RAFAEL ARDEN
Rafael Arden’s lifelong involvement in the arts began at an early age, growing up in the entertainment industry and developing a passion for music and performance. Over the years he has appeared on television and radio, performed as a featured artist at concerts and events, and received favourable reviews in magazines and media publications.
Rafael has studied and performed as both a classical guitarist and lutenist, and has also worked as a film critic, actor, session musician, songwriter, producer and educator. He has pursued a broad range of musical interests while maintaining a deep commitment to artistic excellence.
As a lute player he has worked as an accompanist in a duet performing the English lute songs, as part of a broken consort performing the works of John Dowland, and more recently as a soloist.
His current work includes The Scottish Lute Project, a musical exploration of the rich heritage of the Renaissance music of Scotland.
The SCOTTISH LUTE PROJECT
Rafael’s Scottish Lute Project is a journey into one of the most beautiful and overlooked corners of the Renaissance. By exploring the extraordinary music preserved in The Rowallan Manuscript (compiled between 1612 and 1628) and The Straloch Manuscript (1627-1629), the project seeks to rediscover the voices of musicians who lived and performed more than four centuries ago.
Within these manuscripts lies a world of haunting melodies, delightful dance tunes, and deeply expressive music that speaks across time with remarkable intimacy. Through research, performance, recording, and live concerts, the project brings this forgotten repertoire to modern audiences while honouring the artistry and traditions from which it emerged.
This project has been undertaken with the guidance and assistance of renowned lutenist Elizabeth Pallett, whose expertise has contributed significantly to the project’s development.
