Boston Early Music Festival announces three more streaming broadcasts for the 2020–2021 Season
The Boston Early Music Festival is pleased to announce a series of three virtual events this winter and spring to conclude the 2020–2021 Season. Originally scheduled for our in-person season, three outstanding ensembles, Quicksilver, Stile Antico and Ensemble Correspondances, will create unique performances that audiences can enjoy in their own homes. These events follow the four streaming performances BEMF presented in the fall, with concert videos from Nevermind and The Tallis Scholars, and a Thanksgiving weekend event from the GRAMMY Award–winning BEMF Chamber Opera Series, featuring broadcasts of two chamber opera productions inspired by the Orpheus legend. All three upcoming broadcasts will be presented free of charge for a limited time on BEMF’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/bostonearly/).
The 2020–2021 Virtual Season continues on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 8pm with the American instrumental ensemble Quicksilver. Directors Robert Mealy & Julie Andrijeski lead a dazzling musical tour spanning the 17th century—from the birth of the virtuoso violin in northern Italy through its rich development in the courts of Germany—featuring extraordinary sonatas by Castello, Rosenmüller, Legrenzi, and Fontana.
On Friday, February 26, 2021 at 8pm, the intensely collaborative singers of Stile Antico return to BEMF for a virtual performance celebrating the North American release of their new CD for Decca Classics, titled The Golden Renaissance: Josquin des Prez. A favorite of BEMF audiences since their North American début at the June 2009 Festival, they mark the 500th anniversary of the composer’s death with a sumptuous program featuring Josquin’s superb Missa Pange lingua and several of his best-loved motets and chansons.
Director Sébastian Daucé and Ensemble Correspondances are renowned for recordings and performances of Baroque masterpieces that merge passion and elegance. They are joined by the hauntingly expressive voice of mezzo-soprano Lucile Richardot in a showcase of English songs from the politically turbulent 17th century on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 8pm. Indulge in a fascinating exploration of England’s musical evolution, when continental influences and social upheaval shaped the period between Dowland and Purcell.
BEMF WINTER/SPRING 2021 CALENDAR
All events are free of charge and broadcast online at youtube.com/bostonearly/
Quicksilver
Robert Mealy & Julie Andrijeski, directors & violin
Charles Weaver, theorbo & guitar
Avi Stein, organ & harpsichord
Violini a Due: A European Journey
Premieres Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 8pm EST
Available until Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:59pm EST
Stile Antico
The Golden Renaissance: Josquin des Prez
Premieres Friday, February 26, 2021 at 8pm EST
Available until Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11:59pm EST
Ensemble Correspondances
Sébastian Daucé, director
Lucile Richardot, mezzo-soprano
Perpetual Night: 17th-century Ayres and Songs
Premieres Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 8pm EDT
Available until Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:59pm EDT
