Early Music Missouri’s 2026–2027 Mainstage Concert Series continues with an intimate chamber recital of Italian music for solo voice and winds. Soprano Arianna Aerie will join recorder players Lisette Kielson and Rachel Siegel for an aria and cantata by Antonio Caldara as well as a stunning aria for voice and solo cello by Antonio Maria Bononcini. Several of these pieces feature the chalumeau, an early clarinet played by Siegel. Harpsichordist Curtis Pavey, Baroque cellist Stephanie Hunt and lutenist Jeffrey Noonan round out the ensemble. In addition to the vocal music, the program also includes recorder sonatas by Arcangelo Corelli and Giuseppe Sammartini, a harpsichord solo by Benedetto Marcello and a cello sonata by Caldara.
The concert will take place on October 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 110 North Warson Road in Ladue, MO. Free off-street parking is available immediately adjacent to the church, including handicapped spots. The performance space is accessible for those with special mobility needs. Admission to the concert is $20 (cash, card, or check) with special discounts for students.
Five of the six performers are very familiar to Early Music Missouri audiences, appearing often as soloists and in multiple ensembles on Early Music Missouri programs. Last season, Arianna Aerie sang the title role in Dido & Aeneas, while Lisette and Rachel teamed up to lead a wide-ranging chamber program. Stephanie and Jeff play regularly in Early Music Missouri’s large and small ensembles. Joining these familiar musicians is Curtis Pavey, a pianist and harpsichordist who serves on the music faculty at the University of Missouri-Columbia. A special feature of this concert will be Rachel’s performance on chalumeau, an early clarinet. Developed primarily in France through the 17th century, the instrument enjoyed a brief burst of popularity in the early years of the 18th century and today’s concert includes pieces that blend the solo voice with the sweet sounds of the chalumeau.
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.
