Past Events

Week-long program of classes at all levels, focusing on Renaissance and Baroque music, but with offerings for Medieval and 21st century enthusiasts as well. Expert instructors in recorder, viol, early reeds, percussion, lute, harp, and voice will tend to young professionals, seasoned amateurs, and eager beginners with equal care. This year’s theme is “Mediterranean Musical Miscellany: France, Italy & Spain, c.1300-c.1750.”

“AGNUS DEI” Copperleaf sings Early music celebrating the season of Easter. Program includes music of Lassus, Lobo, and features villanescas by Francisco Guerrero.

A program of stirring, dramatic music in anticipation of Holy Week, including Georg Böhm’s rarely performed Passion According to St. John, once attributed to Handel. Like J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion, Böhm’s work musically depicts the Good Friday story as it is written in the Gospel of John. Also on the program are a chorus form Handel’s final oratorio “Jephtha,” excerpts from J.S. Bach’s contemplative funeral cantata “Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit” and Haydn’s fiery Symphony no. 49 in F minor, “La passione” – possibly the first performance of a complete Haydn symphony on period instruments in Central Texas.

The Harpsichord – A Fresh Voice from the Past
Dr. Ruth Holmes guides this educational journey through the history of the harpsichord from its earliest days to its revival in the 20th century. Discover how the early harpsichord developed, how it lost favor to the pianoforte, and how a new generation of musicians rediscovered its grace and charm in the 20th century.
This is a ‘must-experience’ program for musicians, teachers, students, and early music enthusiasts alike. Dr. Holmes’s use of historic musical examples makes the journey educational and entertaining for all.
For more than 35 years, Dr. Holmes has been a part of the music faculty of Lubbock Christian University.

Ring in the holidays with a very special performance by Voci di Sorelle as they present GLAD TIDINGS: MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS. This memorable concert will feature Medieval and Renaissance music of Christmas and a collection of songs from around the globe, performed in their native languages.

The program begins with carols from the Middle Ages with arrangements by Spanish, German and Czech composers, including inspirational versions of “Quem Pastores Laudavere” and “Adeste Fideles.” The second half of the program is a musical journey across Europe with traditional music from France, Germany, the Ukraine and Poland. Featured songs include the traditional French carol “Noel Nouvelet” and J.S. Bach’s rendition of “O Jesulein Süߔ

Voci di Sorelle — Italian for “Voices of Sisters” — is a group of twelve female a cappella singers and the only one of its kind in Texas. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary concert season, the ensemble is renowned for exquisite performances that showcase the power, versatility, and beauty of women’s voices. Voci di Sorelle’s performances are eclectic, ranging from early music, sacred hymns, and traditional folk melodies to modern jazz, world music and classical arrangements.

Third encore performance of “Alabado,” this time in the historic, beautifully restored Church of Mission San Jose. The title song “Alabado” was composed by the Franciscan Missionary Fr. Antonio Margil de Jesus, founder of Mission San Jose in 1720. Also in this concert, Saint Juan Diego, the messenger of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531, will be honored on his Feast Day December 9, with original songs by Los Inocentes written in Nahuatl, the language used by Our Lady of Guadalupe to speak to Juan Diego.

Baroque violinists Mimi Mitchell and Noel Martin, and harpsichordist Christina Edelen, all from Amsterdam, present a concert of Christmas music on period instruments.

A Baroque Christmas
Torelli Concerto Grosso in G minor, op. 8, no. 6, “Christmas Concerto”
Charpentier Noëls pour les instruments, H. 534
Bach Concerto No. 1 in A minor for Violin and String Orchestra, BWV 1041
Bonnie Terry, violin
Corelli Concerto Grosso in G minor, op. 6, no. 8, “Christmas Concerto”
Bach Suite No. 1 in C major, BWV 1066

From Renaissance to Baroque: Renaissance music performed by Ensemble Canzona and Baroque music performed by Retablo.

Join Central Texas’s newest early music ensemble as we explore the music of the cathedrals, convents, and missions of New France and New Spain, drawing works from the musical archives of New Orleans and Montréal, and the cathedral collections of Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Durango, and Santiago de Cuba.

The first concert of the season, “SACRED HARMONIES: MUSIC FOR THE SOUL,” features an exquisite hour of tranquil a cappella music with selections by Palestrina, Byrd, Allegri, and Schubert.