The Esterházy Ensemble, directed by Michael Brüssing has chosen its name from the famous Hungarian noble family.
The group has, for several years now, specialized on the music for Barytone (Viola di bordone) and Viola da gamba at the court of Esterházy - and its aim is, to make this little known facet of classical chamber music more acquainted to a broader public.  
Concerts at festivals (also the “original places” at  Esterháza Castle in Hungary and Eisenstadt, Austria), Radio - and TV - productions and CDs with CPO/SWR and Cavalli Records show the acceptance of these efforts.

The complete recording of all works written by Joseph Haydn for the barytone will be sold by Brillant Classics at the end of 2008.

The musicians of the group have all a lot of experience with diverse period instrumental formations throughout Europe.

Video of J. Haydn, Barytontrio No. 97, Allegro


 The members of the group

Michael Brüssing (Barytone) born 1960 near Stuttgart,Germany
After studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart he studied Violoncello and Viola da gamba in Vienna and made his Viola da gamba diploma in Germany (Prof. Philippe Pierlot).
Apart from his own Esterházy Ensemble he is member of  several other formations for early music.
Several recordings, concerts in Europe, USA, South America and Asia.
Teaching activities in Vienna and Switzerland, at the Masaryk University Brno (Viola da gamba and Baroque Cello) and at several courses throughout Europe.

Maria Brüssing (Barytone, Baroque Cello) born in Budapest
studied violoncello at Béla Bartok Conservatory and at the Franz List Music Academy (Prof. Ferenc Rados and István Csurgay).  
1994 solo diploma.
Afterwards studies with Prof. Valentin Erben (Alban Berg Quartett) and Viola da gamba with Prof. Jose Vazquez at the Music University of Vienna.
Member of several orchestras in Vienna, CD and TV recordings.
Teaching in Vienna and at courses in Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.







András Bolyki (Viola) born  in Budapest
studied Viola at the Franz List Music Academy (Prof. Sándor Nagy) and chamber music with Prof. Ferenc Rados.
1993 solo diploma.
1988 1. prize at the Hungarian national viola contest
1990 special prize at the Cremona String quartet contest
Since 1989 member of the Ferenc Erkel chamber orchestra and the Budapest National Philharmony.
He is also well known as a singer, composer and song writer (Bolyki Brothers).
Numerous Radio, TV and CD productions.