Music has been a fundamental part of my life from a very young age. I started playing the recorder at age 5, and while I’ve also explored the modern flute, my heart remains with Early Music. I earned a degree in Recorder and Music Education from the Conservatory in Olomouc and spent two additional years studying in France, at Aix-en-Provence and Clermont-Ferrand. During my time in both Czechia and France, I was actively involved in numerous Early Music ensembles and performed regularly.
Back in Czechia, I was part of Marnatosnaha an ensemble dedicated to Renaissance, Folk, and Christian music. We performed regularly in churches, concerts, and medieval dance festivals, and recorded 3 albums. In the United States, my experience expanded as I participated in the Amherst Early Music Festival, both in the Baroque Academy and the Recorder Virtuoso programs, and I also taught at their 2019 Amherst Spring workshop. Additionally, I was involved in small early music projects that enriched local communities. In 2019, I was honored to play with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra and to serve as a recorder resident at the Sitka Art Residency in Oregon, focusing on the works of Jacob Van Eyck. There, I also performed and taught at a recorder workshop.
Beyond music, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and French Philology, along with two Master’s degrees in European Studies and International Law. Currently, I work in Immigration Law, teach and play the recorder, and am raising two young children. My biggest audience is my little son, who enjoys my performances at home. I particularly enjoy teaching the recorder to a diverse range of students, from young children to adults, helping them discover their musical voices.
Since 2019, I have been collaborating with David McGown to co-lead the WRS sessions. I am thrilled to serve as a WRS Board member, where I can leverage my extensive musical experience and teaching skills to contribute positively to our community.
For more information, please visit my personal website adelabalima.com