The compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach are at the heart of the Baroque repertory, providing a richness and variety that could fill a multitude of concerts. For our 2024-2025 offering, we have chosen the intriguing sound of his rarely-heard concerto for three harpsichords, spotlighting three of the best keyboard artists on the East Coast: Marc Bellassai, Elisabeth Wright and Elliot Figg. Coupled with this is his rarely heard cantata 147. No concert of Bach would be complete without tongue-in-cheek music by the oddest of his twenty-odd children, PDQ Bach, with his new oratorio, The Seasonings, featuring some of the rarer instruments of the time, such as the recently invented tromboon. A concert to be experienced in person!

The Early Interval presents a festive French evening of traditional carols, instrumental noels, and Baroque vocal gems for Christmas and Epiphany. Performed with multiple voices, string ensemble, recorder, theorbo, guitar, percussion, and the new Early Music in Columbus continuo organ, the concert wraps up the holiday season with a journey from Paris to Provence and the Pyrenees.

Wind-bands have long provided the soundtrack of war, but can they also be a plea for peace? The War is Over, a DU Wind Ensemble concert with guest conductor Jarosław Ignaszak and conductor Chris David Westover-Muñoz, examines anti-war music that includes works by Karel Husa, Phil Ochs, Augusta Read Thomas, and John Prine.

From the soul-stirring notes of Monteverdi to the vibrant melodies of Castello and Marini, this concert promises an unforgettable journey through time. Soprano Emily Noël and lutenist Michael Leopold will join our regular ensemble of Elizabeth Blumenstock and Stephen Redfield, violin; Mary Springfels, viola da gamba; and Kathleen Macintosh, harpsichord; in bringing these works to life.

In a musical exploration of medieval Spain’s era of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish coexistence during the reign of Alfonso el Sabio of Castile, the Folger Consort performs selections from the Cantigas de Santa Maria, Sephardic songs, and music from Arab Andalusia.

Join the Triangle Wagner Society of North Carolina for a unique presentation: The Lovers’ Bane: The Story of Tristan and Iseult as told in Medieval music and song. Severall Friends, directed by Mary Springfels, play music of the 13th century with songs and lais, and text from the poem Tristan and Iseult by Gottfried von Strassburg. This literary work was the main source of Richard Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. Adapted readings from the text are narrated by Desirée Mays, who will also introduce the video. The musicians play early music instruments set to a montage of original medieval images.

Join The Early Interval for a joyous travelogue of carols, noels, dances, and instrumental music spanning five centuries, including seasonal favorites from the British Isles, France, Germany, Spain and the Americas. Celebrate the culmination of the holidays with beloved and festive Yuletide music for voices and an array of early string, wind, and percussion instruments. Now in its fourth decade, this cherished Columbus tradition continues with an intercontinental musical journey.

The arts flourished everywhere in Italy during the 17th century as painting, sculpture, architecture and music left their mark on cities and defined the Italian peninsula.

Cloistered nuns, whose life was devoted to serving God, used their skills and talents in many ways. This included composing the devotional music needed to complete the sumptuous experience of attending a 17th century Catholic mass. The result was some of the most remarkable music of the period. The nuns labored out of their love and duty to the church even though the idea of women composers was not completely accepted. In “Ecstasy and Devotion” The Early Interval brings to life the music of these exceptional women.

Soprano Emily Noel, tenor Bradley King, historical harpist Paula Fagerberg and viol player Arnie Tanimoto are featured in this exploration of early 17th century music.The music of the brothers William and Henry Lawes, and others, resonated well with the words of “Cavalier” poets such as Thomas Carew and Richard Herrick, producing a wealth of beautiful and dramatic solo and duo songs. The concert title song, “Gather ye Rosebuds while you may,” one of the most famous songs from 17th century England, sets the concert’s flower theme highlighting the wonderful music that flourished in the Jacobean and Carolinian courts.

Two local early music ensembles, The Early Interval and Fior Angelico, join forces to present a festive and mystical Twelfth Night. This program revels in the sumptuous music of the Spanish Renaissance and early Baroque, known as Spain's Golden Age. Featured works are the Missa O magnum mysterium by Tomás Luis de Victoria and seasonal motets, alongside instrumental fantasias, variations, and dances, including favorites enjoyed by Columbus audiences spanning four decades.

One of the crowning glories of Bach’ s career and considered by many the Consort’ s trademark piece, the Mass in B Minor is a work that is truly in a class by itself. Completed during the last years of the composer’ s life, the Mass brings together a range of techniques and musical forms that offer both a compendium of Baroque style and of Bach’ s own lifework. Ending the celebration of the Consort’ s 40th anniversary, it stands among that rarified category of masterpieces that are truly inexhaustible and forever new.

Contemporary-classical composer Jessica Krash presents her exciting new recording that weaves together ancient and modern conversations on social, ethical, political, and musical topics.

Join us in the Den for a live musical performance and conversation with some of the musicians on the recording, including soprano Emily Noël, conductor Thomas Colohan, flutist Laura Kaufman, and composer-pianist Jessica Krash.

A choral work, “Young Vilna,” inspired by the writing of Ellen Cassedy, uses searing questions posed by contemporary Lithuanian teens to explore the timely concept of “home” for descendants of refugees – recorded by members of the Washington Master Chorale. “Sulpicia’s Songs” is a musical commentary on poems by a woman from ancient Rome (English translations by Mary Maxwell); and the “Cantigas de amigo of Martin Codax” sets medieval songs into a provocative modern accompaniment. “Turns of Phrase” for flute and piano and “Delphi-What the Oracle Said” are instrumental works that explore how thoughts and feelings move.

Professional singers and instrumentalists team up with the Saint Paul's School Madrigal Singers to give a reprise performance of Nicholas White’s highly-acclaimed musical drama, The Raven. Also featured will be the first performance of White’s richly romantic cycle, On Dreams Alone, in a newly-conceived version for soloists, chorus and chamber orchestra.

Enjoy a program of American works throughout the span of history including two world premieres–a commission by Jake Runestad for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and one by Frank Ferko based on a Tewa poem. In addition to new voices, this program features beloved folk songs and spirituals–the best of our American choral heritage. 

Enjoy a program of American works throughout the span of history including two world premieres–a commission by Jake Runestad for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and one by Frank Ferko based on a Tewa poem. In addition to new voices, this program features beloved folk songs and spirituals–the best of our American choral heritage. 

Soprano Emily Noel and countertenor Charles Humphries bring a smorgasbord of Handel oratorio to historic Ware Church. Belshazzar, Solomon, Jephtha, and Joshua all appear in this concert of love, war, passion, and frustration. 

Music featured at the Free Music Fridays series thematically reflects the spirit of the self-taught art on view at the museum. Support the proceedings with a donation-based cash wine bar. Admission is always free.

Soprano Emily Noel and countertenor Charles Humphries bring a smorgasbord of Handel oratorio to Virginia Wesleyan College. Taking biblical themes as their basis. Belshazzar, Solomon, Jephtha, and Joshua all appear in this concert of love, war, passion, and frustration. 

Italy was the seat of the most innovative music of the late Renaissance and Early Baroque. Join us on a journey, from the all-vocal madrigal to the magnificent works of Claudio Monteverdi, whose integration of voices and instruments launched the Baroque aesthetic ideal.

Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, Conductor

Michael McCarthy, Artistic Director (Cathedra)