2011-2012
… reimagining the past …

Music from the Middle Ages through the 18th Century
World-class concerts performed with historical instruments and with styles true to the period.

View the print Season Brochure

Sunday, October 2, 2011
LA DONNA MUSICALE
Passionate Enemies

Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5:00 p.m.

2353 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

Pre-concert talk at 4:15 p.m.
Laury Gutiérrez, La Donna Musicale Director

More Information

The Boston ensemble is back with music by women composers at the rival German courts of Frederic the Great and the House of Hapsburg. Foes on the battlefield, the zeal for victory extended to the salon, where passions ran high and nothing was spared in their lavish quest of the arts. Music by Frederic’s sister, Wilhelmine, and Anna Bon goes up against Hapsburg-sponsored Camilla de Rossi and Maria Teresa Agnesi. Soprano Shari Alise Wilson and countertenor Gerrod Pagenkopf. Violins, viola, violone, harpsichord and viola da gamba.

• Listen to selections from their Compact Discs
• Read about them in Early Music America
• Watch them on YouTube

Sunday, December 11, 2011
DUFAY COLLECTIVE
To Drive the Cold Winter Away – Christmas Revelry in Renaissance England

Christ Church Cathedral, 5:00 p.m.
1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

Pre-concert talk at 4:15 p.m.
Dufay Collective members

MORE INFORMATION

Celebrate the season as this acclaimed British ensemble makes their Houston debut with their own brand of entertaining Christmas treats. Included are carols and a pretty number written by Henry VIII, after which things move to the streets with tavern music, ecstatic dances and foot-tapping ballads. This holiday delight includes voice and a feast of instruments including fiddle, harp, guitar, vielle, flute, recorder, percussion, hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes.

• On Facebook: The Dufay Collective
• On YouTube

Friday, February 3, 2012
RICHARD EGARR, Harpsichord
The Harpsichord’s Golden Century

First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7:30 p.m.
5200 Fannin, Houston, TX 77004

Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
Richard Egarr

MORE INFORMATION

Harpsichord superstar Richard Egarr returns to Houston with his trademark sense of discovery and a fresh, compelling look at the virtuosic works of 17th century composers Couperin, Purcell, Froberger and Blow. With his inquiring mind and adventurous spirit, Egarr engages the audience with a gripping performance of works from a time when there were no restrictions and eccentricity was the standard.

HISPANIC HERITAGE SERIES
Friday, March 2, 2012
LA MORRA
Tears Of A Lion: A Secret Concert For Pope Leo X

Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 7:30 p.m.
6221 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030

Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
La Morra ensemble members

MORE INFORMATION

Individual tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 for seniors, and $10 for students with ID. Free admission is available for children under 15.

Houston Early Music is pleased to introduce this exciting young Swiss ensemble. While remembered for his extravagant lifestyle, Pope Leo X (1513-1521) was a noteworthy patron of arts and a man of great sensitivity for music. Himself a competent composer, Leo X clearly had a weakness for good musicians and his rise to the peak of ecclesiastical power brought about a true (albeit short) Golden Age for many of them. Follow LA MORRA to Pope’s private chamber for an intimate concert performed by the best of the pontiff’s “secret musicians.” Music by Pope Leo, Tromboncine, Encina, Francisco de la Torre, …  Madly beautiful music, performed on harp, fiddle, flutes, lute and vihuela de manna.

Listen to recordings

Watch a video

Friday, May 4, 2012
TRIO SETTECENTO
The Scottish Play

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m.
2353 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005 see map

PLEASE NOTE: THE LOCATION FOR THIS CONCERT HAS CHANGED

Due to circumstances beyond our control the new location is Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Boulevard, Houston, 77005 see map. Parking is available in the Rice University visitor lot on Greenbriar immediately south of Rice Boulevard, entrance 13A. Parking costs $1, payable only by major credit card. Swipe your card entering the lot, and use the same card to swipe again as you exit. (You will be charged only one time.)

Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
John Mark Rozendaal

MORE INFORMATION 

Individual tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 for seniors, and $10 for students with ID. Free admission is available for children under 15.

Rising star violinist Rachel Barton Pine is joined by acclaimed cellist John Mark Rozendaal and harpsichordist David Schrader in a spirited program of Scottish baroque music including earthy, infectious Hebridean fiddling and the renewed pleasures of poetic works of Scotland’s classical composers. Even the Italian virtuosi Geminiani and Veracini get in on the action with Scottish-themed compositions.

Watch other videos

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Ticket purchase covers only part of the costs of bringing early music performances to Houston. We need the support of patrons like you. Please make your tax-deductible donation to Houston Early Music

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