Chicago will soon put on its first-ever Early Music festival, thanks to the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Office of Tourism.
The event will take place April 20-25 and will include a host of concerts, masterclasses, and special presentations.
Here are some highlights:
- Opera: The Chicago Opera Theater presents Francesco Cavalli's Giasone (Christian Curnyn, music director).
- Orchestra: The Baroque Band devotes an entire program to selections from Antonio Vivaldi's L'estro armonico, a collection of concertos famous in their day.
- In recital: Recorder virtuoso Piers Adams and harpsichordist Howard Beach present a program spanning four centuries, the Newberry Consort performs music of William Byrd, Trio Settecento explores music of the French Baroque, and harpsichordist Mitzi Meyerson gives a recital of baroque works.
- Dance: American baroque dancer Paige Whitley-Bauguess is accompanied by the Bach and Beethoven Ensemble in a tour of some of the baroque's well-known dances.
- Lessons: Masterclasses will be presented by Piers Adams, Paige Whitley-Bauguess, Mitzi Meyerson, and baroque violinist Nadja Zwiener.
For more information, visit the festival website.