WHO
WE ARE

Vache Baroque is an ensemble of musicians on a mission to connect the broadest possible range of people to the power and drama of Baroque music. From operas and multi-disciplinary concerts to children’s shows and youth residencies, we create inspiring experiences for audiences and artists to enjoy collectively.

As an award-winning UK charity, we give special focus to offering young and disadvantaged people opportunities to participate alongside leading professionals. Our work is impactful and unexpected, often devised in collaboration with exciting cross-artform partners who share our values.

Since our September 2020 launch we have produced operas (★★★★★ “witty, risky, immersive” Opera Now “Huge Fun” The Spectator ★★★★ Bachtrack, ★★★★ The Stage), multi-disciplinary concert projects (★★★★ The Observer, in London, Manchester, at The Vache and broadcast on BBC Radio 3), international tours, 1 opera production revival for Buxton International Festival, 77 in-school workshops for KS2 children, 3 young artist programmes for emerging singers, 15 sessions for learners at Heritage House Special School, 2 projects for deafblind young people in partnership with Bucks Council SEND Service, and 24 community workshops in collaboration with Wycombe Refugee Partnership, Wycombe Arts Centre, the Dove Cafe and One Can Trust.

We use music to inspire, empower, and transform lives. Our income goes straight back into our activities, so the more funding we have, the more work we can do. If you are in the position to support us, please do consider joining our VBFriends scheme.

…the most impactful visiting group we have ever had in schoolthe playground and staffroom was full of buzz and chat about the sessions over the two days you were with us. Thank you so much for choosing to work with us! We would love to have you back.”

CORE TEAM

Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Jonathan Darbourne

Executive Director & Co-Founder
Betty Makharinsky

Development Lead
Liam-Rhys Jones

Liam was a chorister at Durham Cathedral from the age of seven before moving on to Chetham’s School of Music. He later studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where he gained a BMus (Hons) in Singing.Before joining Vache Baroque, Liam worked across arts media and commercial operations, including running an opera magazine and overseeing its business development and partnerships. He discovered Vache Baroque in 2022 at a performance of Orphée and was immediately struck by the company’s creativity and artistic vision.At Vache Baroque, Liam oversees development, fundraising, and partnerships, with a particular focus on collaboration and widening access to opera. Having attended well over 300 operas, he continues to be inspired by the company’s innovative programming and values the opportunity to work closely with supporters and partners to help sustain and grow its work.

Project and Engagement Coordinator

Elena Veris Reynolds

Elena graduated from King’s College London with an undergraduate degree in Music in 2022. She has worked as a music teacher, and comes to Vache Baroque after a career stage managing operas, musicals and plays, working across many different productions and venues.

Elena has a particular passion for community and education focused work in the arts. As a singer and musician herself, she is particularly interested in the human voice, and its intersection with technology and identity.

Administrator
Molly Goetzee

Molly is a freelance actor, musician and facilitator. She graduated from Durham University in Liberal Arts (English, History of Art, Music) in 2020, before going to Drama Studio London to complete her MFA in Acting. She has worked at both commercial and independent theatres within marketing (Paines Plough, New Wimbledon Theatre (ATG) and Harrow Arts Centre), before joining Vache Baroque for their 2025 Summer Festival as Production Assistant. She recently rejoined the VB team as Administrator. She has spent many years working with TurtleKeyArts to support those with access needs engage with music, and is passionate about supporting disadvantaged groups access the arts. As a performer, she has worked across stage and screen, most recently touring Hamlet with the YSC and performing in LaplandUK. Her latest film is due for release on Amazon Prime later this year.

Executive Producer

Daniel Makharinsky

Marketing Consultant
Isla Cameron

Press
Nicky Thomas PR

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair of Trustees
Jeremy Lewison

Trustees
Carmen Bouverat de Young
Heather Wakefield
James McGoldrick
Jasmine Flicker
Simon Baker
Tori Longdon
 

THE VACHE

Appearing in the Domesday accounts under the name ‘Vacca’, the beautiful Vache house and grounds in Buckinghamshire has enjoyed a rich history. George Fleetwood, who lived there from 1628-1660, is most famous for acting as one of the regicides for King Charles I, and on the restoration of Charles II was sentenced to death. The Vache was consequently confiscated and given to the then Duke of York, the future King James II.

The estate was later owned by Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser, a naval officer who was a close friend of fellow officer and explorer James Cook. On Cook’s death, Palliser erected a monument to his memory within the grounds and it stands to this day, offering a wonderful view of the surrounding woodland to all visitors.