Kerstin Erben was born in Thuringia and began playing the violin at the age of eight. From 1973 to 1978, she received comprehensive musical training at the Spezialschule für Musik in Halle, followed by studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Leipzig. 

In 1982, she began her first professional engagement at the Landestheater Halle. The extensive repertoire there, which included numerous Handel operas, the experience of impressive concerts at the annual Handel Festivals, and the ensemble’s commitment to historical performance practice sparked her interest in early music. 

Since 1986, she has lived in Berlin and immersed herself in Baroque instrumentation, gaining initial experience in chamber and sacred music. In 1989, she first performed with the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and soon became a permanent orchestra member. Since then, she has participated in the ensemble’s extensive concert activities at home and abroad, as well as in numerous opera productions and CD recordings.