In the past ten years HRBA (the favourite abbreviation) has developed into a modern vocal-instrumental ensemble capable of performing the most demanding scores of Baroque, and its close periods, in a sovereign and authentic way. The ensemble honed their skills in time despite all the difficulties, in cooperation with some of the world's most notable artists, experts in the field of authentic Baroque interpretation. Exploration of the real sound, ornaments, agogics and articulation, along with gradual use of appropriate old instruments or their replicas, bows and gut strings, were in the service of "quest for the authentic pleasure".
Višnja Mažuran, Kulisa (Coulisse) 2010
In a demanding repertoire, an outstanding performance and authentic instruments, once again the Croatian Baroque Ensemble presented themselves to Osijek audience in the Capuchin church. Performing works by G. B. Fontana and G. F. Handel, Laura Vadjon (Baroque violin), Ana Benić (transverse flute), Berislav Puškarić (bass) and Krešimir Has (harpsichord) thrilled the audience.
Lj.Bobalić, Glas Slavonije (The Voice of Slavonia) 2010
On January 30, inside the "Lisinski Saturday" cycle, the Croatian Baroque Ensemble (HRBA) celebrated its 10th anniversary. A becoming repertoire (Handel's "Messiah") was performed under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesić, and seated among special guests was the newly elected president Dr. Ivo Josipović. The anniversary ceremony was supported by exquisite young soloists Marija Kuhar Šoša, Helena Lucić, Dejan Vrbančić and Goran Jurić, along with the "Ivan Goran Kovačić" Academic Choir. Maestro Saša Britvić delivered once again his interpretation of the "Messiah", founded on his perennial cooperation with the artistic leader Laura Vadjon and all the members of the ensemble, as well as with many of the world's leading experts in performing Baroque music. Britvić opted for more intimate, chamber-like sound, in line with the ensemble's authentic instruments, the appropriate number of performers and the fine acoustics of the Lisinki Great Hall. Setting his criteria of performance very high, he mostly managed to maintain undoubtedly balanced and authentic sound and to convey the profusion of choral and orchestral score, thus creating a most agreeable basis for solo arias.
Igor Koruga, Nacional (The National) 2010
Baroque Music in Zagreb definitely no longer represents academic and museum-like sightseeing of fossil remains from music history, but a real, splendid party with very vivid, spirited and surprising musical forms, such as shown to us last night by maestro Niquet and the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, which, after such an opening of the season, has indubitably professed to be one of the best Zagreb music ensembles.
Branimir Pofuk, Jutarnji list (The Morning Paper)
"In an excellent performance of a mostly devoted ensemble even strings were breaking, but this did not hinder in the least the gallant music festivity where the audience could fantasise or perhaps even feel like courtiers."
Maja Stanetti, Večernji (The Evening Paper)
