Cappella Felsinea

Francesco Giusti: Countertenor
Norah O'Leary: Baroque Cello
Thomas Charles Marshall: Organ

Cappella Felsinea is an Early Music ensemble from Ireland dedicated for the most part to the rediscovery and performance of baroque music from Bologna.

Born in Bologna, Irish-Italian singer Francesco Giusti began his musical journey in his native city, studying organ, composition, and musicology before specialising as a countertenor. He holds degrees from the Guildhall School of Music (London) and the Amsterdam Conservatorium. Francesco is a frequent collaborator with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Sestina, and Resurgam. His operatic career includes his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in Vivaldi’s Bajazet, and he is widely recognised for his sensitive interpretations of both sacred and secular Baroque repertoire.

Norah O’Leary is an Irish cellist specialising in period instrument performance. She holds a first-class Master’s degree from the **Sibelius Academy in Helsinki**, where she focused on early music. A highly sought-after continuo player, Norah performs regularly with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Camerata Kilkenny, and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra. She is a founding member of Ensemble Dagda and serves as the Festival Director of the East Cork Early Music Festival. Her expertise brings a deep understanding of the 17th-century Italian style, particularly the virtuosic cello traditions that originated in Bologna.

Thomas Charles Marshall is the Director of Music and Organist at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin. A graduate of Cambridge University, he served as Organ Scholar at Emmanuel College under the mentorship of the legendary Peter Hurford and later completed a Masters in Music Performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Beyond his work as a soloist and chamber musician in the Western classical tradition, Thomas spent 14 years in Japan, where he became a recognised exponent of the satsumabiwa (traditional lute). His versatile musicianship and scholarly approach to the organ make him a vital part of this Baroque exploration.