Q&A with Sergio Bucheli

Tuesday 27 January 2026

Born in Mexico City, Sergio Bucheli started playing the classical guitar before moving to the UK to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School thanks to a bursary funded by the Rolling Stones. In September 2016, Sergio was awarded the ABRSM and Christopher Hogwood Scholarships to pursue his undergraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) with Elizabeth Kenny where he studied the lute, theorbo and baroque guitar. A sought after continuo player, Sergio is a member of The English Concert, La Nuova Musica and a “New Ensemblist” with Arcangelo. He also plays with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, Ensemble Marsyas, Early Opera Company and Fretwork. We had a quick chat with him about the upcoming performance he is joining us for: The Food of Love.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a lute player from Mexico City, I have now lived in the UK for about half of my life. As a player I love playing chamber music and in operas. Chamber music feels like a space of musical dialogue where I endlessly enjoy listening to the intentioned and individual contributions of my colleagues while reacting or collaborating in real time to those. I also love the feeling of a big continuo section in an opera and the pomp of the whole situation which can just be so gloriously camp while also grasping something so emotionally wrenching in both musicians and audience. 

“I just hope they can feel that strange, magical sensation that music lovingly performed can give both a musician and an audience.”

Is there a moment/person/group in your life so far that has shaped you most as a performer?

Impossible to single out! My lute teacher Elizabeth Kenny allowed me to feel free as a musician which is invaluable. My teachers and friends in my childhood at the Menuhin School taught me so much about hard work and discipline. Most importantly however, they all showed me and shared with me so much music that colours daily life and can make the mundane so extraordinary.

What do you hope audiences feel during/take away from this programme?

I hope they can come out with maybe a new piece of music they love but most importantly I just hope they can feel that strange, magical sensation that music lovingly performed can give both a musician and an audience.

Do you have a favourite love song/romantic piece of music?

Slight curve ball answer, but perhaps “Soul of the world” from Purcell’s Hail Bright Cecilia. The whole piece is an ode to music and that movement particularly presents the idea of chaos being bound and brought together by “One perfect harmony” and thus making the world we know. The cosmic nature of this movement somehow makes me feel so small and human. At that point it is difficult to feel much else but a very loving sympathy for all that surrounds us. On a less existential note, Alma Mia, a Mexican song by Maria Grever as performed by Natalia Lafourcade is a favourite love song of mine. 

Outside of music/performing, what inspires your creativity?

My two biggest hobbies outside of music are fashion and literature. I love playing with ideas of how I present myself to the world or what I might be appreciating at a certain point in time through fashion. I also love reading quite widely and disappearing into a time period or aesthetic.

What is your favourite food, and go-to post show drink? 

I think my favourite food has to be sushi and post show drink is not a huge gastronomic event for me as I am usually quite dehydrated and carrying way too many things to really enjoy it! 

Join us for Food of Love on Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 2026 at Fidelio Cafe. 

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