Early Music Missouri presents a seasonal program of 17th-century sacred and secular laments for voice, Baroque violin and lutes. The program ranges from England and Germany to Italy. Early 17th-century music includes one of only three works composed by Englishman John Dowland for voice, violin and lute as well as Girolamo Frescobaldi’s moving “Maddalena alla cruce” (“Magdalene at the Cross”) for voice and theorbo. Heinrich Biber’s “Passacaglia” for solo violin from his famed Rosary Sonatas is the featured instrumental piece and the concert concludes with Henry Purcell’s aria “O Let Me Weep” from his opera King Arthur.
The concert will take place on March 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 East Adams Street just east of Kirkwood Road. Free off-street and street parking is available immediately adjacent to the church. Admission to the recital is free.
Soprano Arianna Aerie has appeared as soloist with many of St. Louis’s premiere vocal ensembles. Her repertoire ranges from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, including classical as well as jazz standards. Arianna sings regularly with Early Music Missouri, performing Gregorian chant, High Renaissance polyphony, Baroque arias and more. Baroque violinist Celina Boldrey appears regularly as a soloist and in chamber ensembles as a core member of Early Music Missouri’s instrumental ensembles. She and lutenist Jeff Noonan have performed numerous duo recitals of 17th-century violin music across the region. Jeffrey Noonan, founder and director of Early Music Missouri, has played early plucked instruments across the region for over forty years.
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.
