Escape the noise, and enjoy the restorative sounds of soprano and lute in the intimate acoustics of St. Michael and All Angels’ church at our special evening recital of English lute songs.

While Shakespeare was defining English poetry and drama, Dowland was doing the same for English song. After Dowland, the influence of the Italians led to the magnificent achievements of Henry Purcell, arguably the greatest English composer of all time. GRAMMY-winning lutenist Stephen Stubbs, soprano Danielle Reutter-Harrah and violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock, explore the golden age of English song through works by John Dowland, William Lawes, Henry Purcell and others — where time may indeed stand still.

Edward Johnson (fl. 1572–1601): Eliza is the Fairest Queen; John Dowland (1563-1626): Welcome black night; Dowland: Time stands still
Lute solos: Anon.: The Cobbler; Francis Cutting (c.1550–1595/6): Greensleeves; Dowland: Lord Willoughbie’s welcome home; Anon.: Watkin’s Ale
Dowland: Sorrow, stay; Dowland: From silent night
Nicholas Lanier (1588–1666): No more shall meads; William Lawes (1602-1645): To the Dewes; How lilies came white; To sycamores – I’m sick of love
Henry Purcell: She loves, and she confesses; Let me weep
-intermission-
Nicola Matteis (c. 1650 – after 1713): Suite for Guitar
Purcell: The Fatal Hour; Bess of Bedlam
Purcell: Suite from The Fairy Queen and King Arthur: Come if you dare, If love’s a sweet passion, Fairies Dance
Mattheis: Aria Amorosa for violin and baroque guitar
Trad.: Barbara Allen
Arr. Joseph Haydn (1732-1809): Mary’s Dream & Scottish traditional airs

Danielle Reutter-Harrah, soprano
Stephen Stubbs, lute
Elizabeth Blumenstock, violin

Stephen Stubbs’s appearance is sponsored by Larry W. Allen.

Followed by a complimentary wine & waters reception for all ticket holders, on the patio with the musicians.

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Single Tickets $45
Festival Subscriptions $325, include premium, reservable, seating and a private catered dinner after the Finale on June 23.
Student Rush Tickets are $10 at the door, for ages 12-29, with valid student card and photo ID, subject to availability.

Complimentary Wine & Waters receptions and pre-concert brass music al fresco for all ticket holders.

Painting featured (detail): Caravaggio’s “Apollo the Lute Player” c. 1596. Ex-Badminton House, Gloucestershire, UK. Learn about the different versions of this painting, and their disputed attributions, here. View the full image here.