A restless collective of medieval experimentalists, the Flatbush-based band Alkemie recently gained recognition beyond Brooklyn with their soundtrack for the video game Pentiment (directed by Obsidian studios and published by Xbox). Locally and nationally, they have been presented by the Amherst Early Music Festival, Arizona Early Music Society, Brooklyn Public Library, Cambridge Society for Early Music, Capitol Early Music Series, Five Boroughs Music Festival, Johns Hopkins Program in Arts, Humanities & Health, Music Before 1800, and the Berkeley Early Music Festival.
Alkemie opens our 12th season with the breathtaking concert SALTWINDS & SPICE in collaboration with Rose of the Compass. Sharing the stage with recorder superstar Nina Stern and Armenian-American oud-player and composer Ara Dinkjian, together, we will explore the world of medieval Cyprus, and offer a window into a multiethnic entrepôt. Hear musical tales of rose-scented fountains, envision shrines famous for both holy relics and snake-hunting cats, and discover dynasties founded by mermaids. Featuring French ars subtilior music from the Cyprus Codex (MS. J.II.9) alongside folk music from Armenia, Genoa, and Greece.
With Tracy Cowart (voice, harps), Ben Matus (voice, bagpipes, recorders, douçaines), David McCormick (vielle, rebec), Sian Ricketts (voice, recorders, douçaines), Niccolo Seligmann (vielle, psaltery), Ellie Sutherland (voice, percussion), Spiff Wiegand (percussion) and guest artists Ara Dinkjian (oud) and Nina Stern (recorders, chalumeau).
The program will be performed live in New York City on November 7, 2025 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Manhattan at 7:30 p.m.; and on November 8, 2025 at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts will be followed by receptions with the artists featuring traditional Cypriot wines and desserts. Tickets are $15-$50. For tickets and more information, please visit alkemie.org/events
