Early Music Missouri celebrates Women’s History Month with a program of music by four women musicians active through the 17th and into the 18th centuries. Francesca Caccini was a renowned singer whose songs follow the model of her father, Giulia Caccini. Barbara Strozzi, a singer and composer, published multiple collections of vocal music in her lifetime—more than any of her male contemporaries—and is perhaps the best-known woman composer of the Baroque era. As a nun, Isabella Leonarda composed primarily vocal music, but this concert presents her one solo violin sonata. The program also includes several works for keyboard and solo violin by Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre who achieved fame at the French court as a prodigy.
The program will feature performers who have played a critical role in Early Music Missouri’s success over the years. The ensemble includes sopranos Arianna Aerie and Samantha Arten, Baroque violinist Celina Boldrey, Baroque cellist, Stephanie Hunt and harpsichordist Sarah Bereza. This ensemble of Early Music Missouri’s women has invited lutenist and Early Music Missouri Director Jeff Noonan to join them on theorbo.
The concert will take place on March 1 at 3:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 110 North Warson Road in Ladue, MO. The free off-street parking, available immediately adjacent to the church, includes multiple handicapped spots. The performance space is accessible for those with special mobility needs. Admission to the concert is $20 (cash, card, or check) at the door with special discounts for students.
Early Music Missouri is the region’s foremost promoter and presenter of Early Music concerts. Its performances feature Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque repertoire performed on period instruments by expert performers from the region and nation.
