About Tinta Barroca

The ensemble Tinta Barroca was founded in 2006 by the Portuguese-Brazilian flautist Luana Gundersen. The ensemble is named after one of the most famous Portuguese red wine grapes used in the production of Port wine. Despite its evocative name, the Tinta Barroca grape is not itself baroque, but was introduced into the Douro valleys in northern Portugal at the end of the nineteenth century. When grown in cooler climates or in the heights, "Tinta Barroca" grapes become more aromatic and tasteful.

Luana had the idea of starting this ensemble whilst moving to Bergen, Norway where she now lives: planting seeds in a northern climate to bring forth a fine musical crop. Tinta Barroca ensemble currently features some of the finest Portuguese and northern-European artists playing a repertoire stretching from about 1700 to 1900, on period instruments. The ensemble has performed in Portugal, Norway, Germany and the USA, supported by Portugal's Ministery of Foreign Affairs and Ministery of Culture, as well as the municipalities of Bergen and Oslo, and other institutions.

The musicians of Tinta Barroca share a passion for the crisp sounds of old instruments, creating contemporary performances of the early repertoire that have impressed and touched audiences in many parts of the world.