2014 Events

Christmas with Voci di Sorelle, a Farewell Performance.
Voci di Sorelle’s annual Christmas concert has become a highly anticipated holiday tradition for many in the San Antonio area. Join us for the memorable finale concert of this wonderful musical ensemble. The holiday performance will feature Renaissance music and well-loved carols from around the globe. Special appearances by Copperleaf and Blue Penny.

Voci di Sorelle — Italian for “Voices of Sisters” — is a group of twelve female a cappella singers based in San Antonio, Texas, renowned for exquisite performances that showcase the power, versatility, and beauty of women’s voices. The ensemble was founded in 2004 by artistic director Ruth Moreland.

Daniel Johnson, Artistic Director, presents An Early Christmas in Europe. Works from France, Spain, and Celtic and English traditions. Featured soloists include Jenifer Thyssen, Stephanie Prewitt, Meredith Ruduski, Jenny Houghton, Cayla Cardiff, Jeffrey Jones Ragona, David Lopez, Bryan Pettey, Thann Scoggin, and Daniel Johnson. Instrumental soloists include Bruce Colson (violin), John Walters and Jane Leggiero (viols), Marcus McGuff (flute), Susan Richter (recorders), and Scott Horton (lutes).

Daniel Johnson, Artistic Director, presents An Early Christmas in Europe. Works from France, Spain, and Celtic and English traditions. Featured soloists include Jenifer Thyssen, Stephanie Prewitt, Meredith Ruduski, Jenny Houghton, Cayla Cardiff, Jeffrey Jones Ragona, David Lopez, Bryan Pettey, Thann Scoggin, and Daniel Johnson. Instrumental soloists include Bruce Colson (violin), John Walters and Jane Leggiero (viols), Marcus McGuff (flute), Susan Richter (recorders), and Scott Horton (lutes).

Daniel Johnson, Artistic Director, presents An Early Christmas in Europe. Works from France, Spain, and Celtic and English traditions. Featured soloists include Jenifer Thyssen, Stephanie Prewitt, Meredith Ruduski, Jenny Houghton, Cayla Cardiff, Jeffrey Jones Ragona, David Lopez, Bryan Pettey, Thann Scoggin, and Daniel Johnson. Instrumental soloists include Bruce Colson (violin), John Walters and Jane Leggiero (viols), Marcus McGuff (flute), Susan Richter (recorders), and Scott Horton (lutes).

James Brown and Keith Womer perform music for viola da gamba and harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach and two of his sons. The music performed in this concert is something of a “swan song” for these instruments, which were waning in popularity at that time and would disappear altogether by 1800.

The cathedrals of Old Spain and New Spain required a great deal of high-quality music, and their chapelmasters were all too happy to oblige. Our annual concert of Latin American early music will feature works from Old World masters, including Morales and Victoria, as well as New World composers Padilla and Capillas, along with Mexico City Cathedral’s last four colonial chapelmasters: Sumaya, Jerúsalem, Tollis de la Rocca, and Juanas.

The cathedrals of Old Spain and New Spain required a great deal of high-quality music, and their chapelmasters were all too happy to oblige. Our annual concert of Latin American early music will feature works from Old World masters, including Morales and Victoria, as well as New World composers Padilla and Capillas, along with Mexico City Cathedral’s last four colonial chapelmasters: Sumaya, Jerúsalem, Tollis de la Rocca, and Juanas.

Italia Mia!: Madrigal Mystery Tour. The Italian madrigal in the 16th century was emotional, witty, daring, celebratory, passionate, sensual, experimental, and … gorgeous! TEMP’s stellar ensemble of singers will perform both well-known and innovative works by Lassus, da Rore, Marenzio, Monteverdi, and more, featuring Verdelot’s touching title madrigal, Italia Mia. These four-to-eight-part works are ideally suited for the intimate and lovely acoustic of First English Lutheran Church, just north of the UT campus.

Italia Mia!: Madrigal Mystery Tour. The Italian madrigal in the 16th century was emotional, witty, daring, celebratory, passionate, sensual, experimental, and … gorgeous! TEMP’s stellar ensemble of singers will perform both well-known and innovative works by Lassus, da Rore, Marenzio, Monteverdi, and more, featuring Verdelot’s touching title madrigal, Italia Mia. These four-to-eight-part works are ideally suited for the intimate and lovely acoustic of First English Lutheran Church, just north of the UT campus.

With the help of the audience, La Follia Austin Baroque settles a debate that dates back to the time of Bach and Handel: Who is the greater composer? We settle it the all-American way: a Smackdown!

With the help of the audience, La Follia Austin Baroque settles a debate that dates back to the time of Bach and Handel: Who is the greater composer? We settle it the all-American way: a Smackdown!

Mystical Rose: Songs to the Virgin, A concert of Renaissance and Early Baroque vocal chamber music featuring works by Palestrina and Aichinger.
Part of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church: Parish Music Series.

Copperleaf is a group of five exceptional vocalists that seamlessly blends female and male voices to bring exquisite harmonies and the highest level of musical excellence to each performance. Musical selections for each concert are chosen to complement the architecture and time period of the specific performance setting.

Austin’s period-instrument orchestra presents a concert of Classic- and early Romantic-era works by composers who died young. Featuring concertmaster Edmond Chan in Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G major, soprano soloist Samantha Leibowitz in Pergolesi’s Salve Regina in C minor, and Schubert’s Symphony no. 5.

Austin’s period-instrument ensemble presents a concert of Classic- and early Romantic-era works by composers who died young. Featuring concertmaster Edmond Chan in Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G major, soprano soloist Samantha Leibowitz in Pergolesi’s Salve Regina in C minor, and Schubert’s Symphony no. 5.

A concert of European music of the early 17th century featuring Erik Schmalz, sackbut; Noel Martin, violin; and Christina Edelen, harpsichord.

Our 16th season opens with La Pellegrina: Music for a Medici Wedding, presented by KMFA Classical 89.5. Created by some of the greatest composers of the Italian Renaissance for the spectacular wedding of Ferdinando de Medici to Christine de Lorraine in 1589 Florence, La Pellegrina consists of six musical intermedi, or acts, for vocal soloists, small ensembles, full chorus, and a full orchestra of period instruments.

Our second season opens with Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vespro della Beata Vergine” (1610). Considered a staple of Western music, this dynamic Vespers brings listeners from the heights of human sensuality to the tranquility of prayerful contemplation. Monteverdi attained the Director of Music position at St. Mark’s, Venice by publishing this colossal work. The concert will be conducted by Principal Conductor, Anthony Blake Clark, and brought to life with period instruments and early Baroque technique.

Our 16th season opens with La Pellegrina: Music for a Medici Wedding, presented by KMFA Classical 89.5. Created by some of the greatest composers of the Italian Renaissance for the spectacular wedding of Ferdinando de Medici to Christine de Lorraine in 1589 Florence, La Pellegrina consists of six musical intermedi, or acts, for vocal soloists, small ensembles, full chorus, and a full orchestra of period instruments.

Anton Nel performs Mozart and Haydn Concertos on Fortepiano

Anton Nel performs Mozart and Haydn Concertos on Fortepiano

This Austin-based period-instrument orchestra will open its fourth concert season with a selection of music celebrating water. Including depictions of sea gods and water nymphs, ebbing tides and raging tempests, this performance will consist of works by Marais, Handel, Telemann, and Vivaldi.

A concert of Renaissance songs, dances and fantasias played on recorders, harpsichord and virginal. Madalyn Blanchett, Steve McCullough, and Gerald Self on recorder, and special guest Christina Edelen, harpsichordist with the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra of Amsterdam.

Celebrate July 4 with La Follia as they present the amazing music composed and performed by the Moravians in post-Revolutionary America. It will be an extravaganza with chorus, strings, woodwinds, organ, and trombone choir. Featured is a performance of the first musical commemoration of July 4 in 1783, the Psalm of Joy.

At the time of the American War of Independence, the most sophisticated music making in America, by European standards, was unquestionably in the Moravian enclaves in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Salem, North Carolina. If you like Haydn and other music of the Early Classical period, this music is your cup of tea!

The first part of the concert features an excellent string trio by American-born John Antes, solo songs with strings by three Moravian-American composers, and hymns performed by a trombone choir (a unique Moravian tradition) under the direction of Dr. Nathaniel Brickens.

Concluding the concert is a performance of the first musical commemoration of July 4, the Psalm of Joy, a cantata with choir, strings, woodwinds, organ, and the trombone choir. It was first performed by the Moravians in Salem, North Carolina in 1783 and open to all visitors. There was even food and an evening parade (but no fireworks)!

La Follia’s first concert exploring American music from the time of the Revolution won an Austin Chronicle award for one of the top 10 Classical Music treasures in 2012. This concert promises to be just as treasured. Come hear the music that astonished Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and George Washington.

Celebrate July 4 with La Follia as they present the amazing music composed and performed by the Moravians in post-Revolutionary America. It will be an extravaganza with chorus, strings, woodwinds, organ, and trombone choir. Featured is a performance of the first musical commemoration of July 4 in 1783, the Psalm of Joy.

At the time of the American War of Independence, the most sophisticated music making in America, by European standards, was unquestionably in the Moravian enclaves in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Salem, North Carolina. If you like Haydn and other music of the Early Classical period, this music is your cup of tea!

The first part of the concert features an excellent string trio by American-born John Antes, solo songs with strings by three Moravian-American composers, and hymns performed by a trombone choir (a unique Moravian tradition) under the direction of Dr. Nathaniel Brickens.

Concluding the concert is a performance of the first musical commemoration of July 4, the Psalm of Joy, a cantata with choir, strings, woodwinds, organ, and the trombone choir. It was first performed by the Moravians in Salem, North Carolina in 1783 and open to all visitors. There was even food and an evening parade (but no fireworks)!

La Follia’s first concert exploring American music from the time of the Revolution won an Austin Chronicle award for one of the top 10 Classical Music treasures in 2012. This concert promises to be just as treasured. Come hear the music that astonished Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and George Washington.

The Austin Baroque Orchestra will close its third season with the sublime chamber music of the Classic era. You’ll enjoy these works the way it originally was, in an intimate setting, using Classical instruments. We’ll revel in the youthful brilliance of Mozart, the humor and wit of Haydn, and the exotic, Spanish influences of Boccherini, along with equally charming fare by J.C. Bach and Domenico Cimarosa.

Duets and solos for soprano and alto, with triple harp, positive and gamba, of music by Frescobaldi, Monteverdi and 17th century nun, Maria Chiara Cozzolani.

ALL FOR FAITH
Music by English composers to mark this day’s Feast of the Forty English Martyrs. Featuring the music of William Byrd and Thomas Tallis.

As this year’s Artists-in-Residence, the Copperleaf Quintet will present five concerts for the Chapel’s music series. The concerts will feature Renaissance vocal chamber music and center around seasonal themes as they relate to the Chapel’s liturgical calendar.

“The Original Carmina Burana: Unplugged & Organic,” Neil deGrasse Tyson recently mentioned the 13th -century manuscript Carmina Burana on Cosmos! What he didn’t say was that it contains unabashedly joyful and passionate songs about love, spring, mythology, love, dancing, drinking, love, flirting, philosophy, and…love! TEMP will feature some of its favorite soloists and Medieval instrumentalists. Special guest Mary Springfels will join on Medieval Fiddle for this rousing concert!

“The Original Carmina Burana: Unplugged & Organic,” Neil deGrasse Tyson recently mentioned the 13th -century manuscript Carmina Burana on Cosmos! What he didn’t say was that it contains unabashedly joyful and passionate songs about love, spring, mythology, love, dancing, drinking, love, flirting, philosophy, and…love! TEMP will feature some of its favorite soloists and Medieval instrumentalists. Special guest Mary Springfels will join on Medieval Fiddle for this rousing concert!

Religious and secular music from the historic Kroměříž collection. The Kroměříž collection, also referred to as the “Czech music collection” or the “Liechtenstein Music Collection,” was compiled by Karl II von Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn during 1664-1695 of the now Czech Republic. Guest violinist and Kroměříž scholar Mimi Mitchell joins an exotic La Follia ensemble of voices, strings, trombones, organ, harpsichord, and theorbo performing works by Vejvanovsky, Kerll, Biber, Bertali, Poglietti, Rittler and others.

Religious and secular music from the historic Kroměříž collection. The Kroměříž collection, also referred to as the “Czech music collection” or the “Liechtenstein Music Collection,” was compiled by Karl II von Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn during 1664-1695 of the now Czech Republic. Guest violinist and Kroměříž scholar Mimi Mitchell joins an exotic La Follia ensemble of voices, strings, trombones, organ, harpsichord, and theorbo performing works by Vejvanovsky, Kerll, Biber, Bertali, Poglietti, Rittler and others.

“The Cry of Many Voices: an Illuminated Renaissance,” 24 a cappella voices perform hypnotic and virtuosic music from the early Renaissance, including movements from Brumel’s 12-part ‘Earthquake Mass,’ and the Austin premier of a 19-part motet by Scottish composer Robert Carver. Featuring Tenor Christopher LeCluyse, a founding member of TEMP (Salt Lake City), with guests Temmo Korisheli (baritone/tenor, Santa Barbara) and Erin Calata (mezzo-soprano, Seattle).

“The Cry of Many Voices: an Illuminated Renaissance.”24 a cappella voices perform hypnotic and virtuosic music from the early Renaissance, including movements from Brumel’s 12-part ‘Earthquake Mass,’ and the Austin premier of a 19-part motet by Scottish composer Robert Carver. Featuring Tenor Christopher LeCluyse, a founding member of TEMP (Salt Lake City), with guests Temmo Korisheli (baritone/tenor, Santa Barbara) and Erin Calata (mezzo-soprano, Seattle).

AVE MARIA
Music for the Annunciation, celebrating the angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary. Featuring selections for this special feast day and various settings of Ave Maria and the Magnificat.

As this year’s Artists-in-Residence, the Copperleaf Quintet will present five concerts for the Chapel’s music series. The concerts will feature Renaissance vocal chamber music and center around seasonal themes as they relate to the Chapel’s liturgical calendar.

What does the beginning of the world sound like? Come experience one of the most unique and shocking works from the baroque period, Les Élémens (The Elements) by the French composer Jean-Féry Rebel. The Abdelazer Suite (The Moor’s Revenge) by Henry Purcell may surprise you with familiar tunes such as the “Rondeau,” later used by a fellow British composer Benjamin Britten as a theme to his Young Person’s Guide to Orchestra, and the “Hornpipe” featured in the movie soundtrack to “Pride and Prejudice.” In between, Telemann’s Suite in A minor delights with its international flavors and features Principal Flute, Martha Long. Don’t miss these three gems of the baroque era!

MISERERE: MUSIC FOR LENT
Copperleaf sings Early Music for the Lenten Season, including works by Spanish composers Francisco Guerrero, Tomas Luis Victoria, and Lobo.

This concert is part of the Music at St. Mark’s Series.

Austin’s period-instrument orchestra and chorus presents a free concert of the music of Michael and Joseph Haydn.

“Haydn-Go-Seek”
Michael Haydn’s Responsories for Holy Week; Joseph Haydn’s “Alleluia” Symphony, the Nicolaimesse, Organ Concerto in D major

MISERERE MEI
An hour of contemplative music for the Season of Lent. The program features music of Byrd, Philips, Lassus, and Victoria.

As this year’s Artists-in-Residence, the Copperleaf Quintet will present five concerts for the Chapel’s music series. The concerts will feature Renaissance vocal chamber music and center around seasonal themes as they relate to the Chapel’s liturgical calendar.

The acclaimed River City Ringers handbell ensemble joins forces with the exceptional talent of the Olmos Basin Brass, a group of Five professional Free-lance musicians, for an energizing concert with a vibrant, brassy focus! Each ensemble will perform works from their own concert repertoire. The concert concludes with both groups joining forces for an unforgettable afternoon of brass instrument artistry!

An energizing and brassy concert featuring the Olmos Basin Brass and the Alamo City Ringers. The Olmos Basin Brass will perform early music works by composers G. Gabrieli, Susato, Monteverdi and Micheal Praetorius. Come and share an afternoon of brass artistry.

Brilliant brass fanfares and enaissance dances by G. Gabrieli, Monteverdi, T. Susato, and Michael Praetorius performed by the Olmos Basin Brass quintet. The woodwind quintet Adelante Winds also performs in this shared event.

Telemania! Flirty and saucy, or tender, heartfelt yet funny arias. Orchestral music delightfully sophisticated with brilliantly written imitations of vocal lines and stunning complimentary countermelodies. Featuring Telemann’s short comic opera Pimpinone with supertitles. Another testament to Telemann’s “new” fame as a master of Baroque counterpoint, ingenuity, and melody. TEMP core-member Meredith Ruduski (soprano) sings the role of Vespetta and New York’s Peter Walker (baritone) portrays Pimpinone, set in current times and fully staged. Also, featuring Marcus McGuff (flute).

Telemania! Flirty and saucy, or tender, heartfelt yet funny arias. Orchestral music delightfully sophisticated with brilliantly written imitations of vocal lines and stunning complimentary countermelodies. Featuring Telemann’s short comic opera Pimpinone with supertitles. Another testament to Telemann’s “new” fame as a master of Baroque counterpoint, ingenuity, and melody. TEMP core-member Meredith Ruduski (soprano) sings the role of Vespetta and New York’s Peter Walker (baritone) portrays Pimpinone, set in current times and fully staged. Also, featuring Marcus McGuff (flute).

The fourth installment of the popular Herd of Harpsichords series. The concert will open with a Bach concerto for solo harpsichord, and transition to works written for harpsichord and orchestra from the twentieth century. JiMin Kim and Jeffrey-Jones Ragona join artistic director Keith Womer on harpsichord. David Stevens, tenor, and Marcus McGuff, flute.

The fourth installment of the popular Herd of Harpsichords series. The concert will open with a Bach concerto for solo harpsichord, and transition to works written for harpsichord and orchestra from the twentieth century. JiMin Kim and Jeffrey-Jones Ragona join artistic director Keith Womer on harpsichord. David Stevens, tenor, and Marcus McGuff, flute.

The fourth installment of the popular Herd of Harpsichords series. The concert will open with a Bach concerto for solo harpsichord, and transition to works written for harpsichord and orchestra from the twentieth century. JiMin Kim and Jeffrey-Jones Ragona join artistic director Keith Womer on harpsichord. David Stevens, tenor, and Marcus McGuff, flute.