November 2024
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Saturday November 30 at 7 P. M. Concert performance (Pasadena) (repeats as a liturgical performance Dec 1)
Musica TransAlpina: Jacobus de Kerle’s magnificent Missa Da pacem Domine
This program showcases Jacobus de Kerle’s magnificent Missa Da pacem Domine (1583), which has remained unheard in its entirety since the Renaissance. It shows the earliest foreshadowings of the Baroque. We painstakingly transcribed this work specifically for this program.
De Kerle bases this Mass upon the votive antiphon for peace, Da pacem Domine (Give peace in our time, O Lord. Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.), which is likely a reference to the legendary Battle of Lepanto from the previous decade. To weave the hauntingly beautiful melody of this antiphon into his mass setting, De Kerle employs an exceptionally archaic cantus firmus compositional technique that harkens back to the early Renaissance. By the time this Mass was published, however, compositions based upon canti firmi had a reputation for being dull, clumsy, and pedantic, but De Kerle avoids these detractions by combining this old-fashioned approach with lively melodies and highly rhetorical concepts of power, majesty, & victory; strongly alluding to the emergence of the forthcoming Baroque style. The end result is a strikingly beautiful composition that blends old techniques with a bold new spirit to proclaim a message of peace achieved through military strength. Come experience the remarkable transformation that church music underwent during the Counterreformation.
Tickets:
St. Andrew Church 311 N Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91103
Parking in adjacent lot (can be free for church events - check with the onsite guard)
more info https://musicatransalpina.org/, https://www.facebook.com/MusicaTransalpina
December 2024
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Handel's Messiah: Performances and Sing-a-longs
are listed at the end of the December Calendar
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Sunday, December 1, 2024 6:00 pm (mid-Wilshire), and live broadcast on KUSC 91.5 FM, and live-stream
USC Thornton Baroque Sinfonia :“A French Christmas”
directed by Rotem Gilbert and Jason Yoshida :
Great Music at Saint James, Classical Sundays at Six
FREE
Saint James-in-the-City 3903 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
more info: https://stjla.org/greatmusic/
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Sunday December 1, 9 A.M. (Free liturgical performance) (Wilmington) (repeats as concert performance Nov 30)
Musica TransAlpina: Jacobus de Kerle’s magnificent Missa Da pacem Domine
This program showcases Jacobus de Kerle’s magnificent Missa Da pacem Domine (1583), which has remained unheard in its entirety since the Renaissance. It shows the earliest foreshadowings of the Baroque. We painstakingly transcribed this work specifically for this program.
De Kerle bases this Mass upon the votive antiphon for peace, Da pacem Domine (Give peace in our time, O Lord. Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.), which is likely a reference to the legendary Battle of Lepanto from the previous decade. To weave the hauntingly beautiful melody of this antiphon into his mass setting, De Kerle employs an exceptionally archaic cantus firmus compositional technique that harkens back to the early Renaissance. By the time this Mass was published, however, compositions based upon canti firmi had a reputation for being dull, clumsy, and pedantic, but De Kerle avoids these detractions by combining this old-fashioned approach with lively melodies and highly rhetorical concepts of power, majesty, & victory; strongly alluding to the emergence of the forthcoming Baroque style. The end result is a strikingly beautiful composition that blends old techniques with a bold new spirit to proclaim a message of peace achieved through military strength. Come experience the remarkable transformation that church music underwent during the Counterreformation.
FREE
The parish church of Ss. Peter & Paul 515 West Opp Street Wilmington CA 90744
parking in large church lot
more info https://musicatransalpina.org/, https://www.facebook.comMusicaTransalpina
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Friday, December 6, 2024 8 pm (USC, near downtown LA)
Thornton Baroque Sinfonia :“‘Jouez hautbois, résonnez musettes!’: A Concert of 17th-Century French Noels”
directed by Rotem Gilbert and Jason Yoshida . With Special Guest Mary Vanhoozer, hurdy gurdy
University of Southern California: Newman Recital Hall
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Saturday, December 7 at 12:00 PM (Long Beach)
Musica Angelica Richard Savino (guitar) and Jennifer Ellis Kampani (Soprano): Baroque guitar music and songs
This performance features music showing the progression of the baroque guitar to modern guitar with music from Latin America and Italy.
Free Community Concert, all ages are welcomed.
The Billie Jean King Library, Miller Room , 200 W Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802.
more info: https://www.musicaangelica.org/
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Wednesday, December 11, 2024 8:00 PM (Brentwood, and Livestream)
Salastina: A Salastina Compline, instrumental music of Hildegard, Palestrina, Bach, Tallis, Skye
On this mystical compline program, Salastina’s Composer Mentor Derrick Skye’s latest string quartet Deliverance is a portal to another time. Its musical DNA came from select works of other Baroque composers whose works share the program. Together, the program illustrates centuries-old music's timeless resonance – and the endless possibilities for re-imagining its magic and mystery. Complimentary wine reception with the artists to follow.
Program:
Hildegard von Bingen: O Frondens Virga
Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina: Missa Nigra Sum
Johann Sebastian Bach: Passacaglia and Fugue in c minor
Thomas Tallis: Audivi Vocem
Derrick Skye: Deliverance (West Coast premiere)
Artists: Kevin Kumar and Maia Jasper White, Co-Artistic Directors and Violinists, Meredith Crawford, Violist, Yoshika Masuda, Cellist, Brian Lauritzen, Host, Derrick Skye, Composer
Tickets: $45 , SCEMS members receive 20% off select seats, used code SALASTINA20 , Student tickets $10, Livestream $10: Instructions will be sent via email. Livestreaming is available for 3 days.
Mary Chapel at Mount Saint Mary's University 12001 Chalon Road Los Angeles, CA
more info: https://www.salastina.org/concerts/2024/12/12/a-salastina-compline
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Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 PM (Long Beach)
Musica Angelica: Christmas in Vienna
Vienna has hosted December Markets since 1296, so they were likely enjoyed by Joseph and Michael Haydn as well as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. For a holiday surprise, festive works by these composers will be joined by the 1921 Christmas Music of Vienna native (and Los Angeles resident from 1934 on) Arnold Schoenberg, in celebration of the sesquicentennial of his birth.
Program Details
I. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo (Little Organ Mass), Hob. XXII:7 – Joseph Haydn
II. Concerto in F major for Violin, Organ and Strings, Hob. XVIII:6 – Joseph Haydn
III. Motet: Ergo interest, KV 143 for Soprano and Strings – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
IV. Weihnachtsmusik (Christmas Music) – Arnold Schoenberg
V. Cantata: Lauft ihr Hirten allzugleich for Soprano, Chorus and Strings – Johann Michael Haydn
Join Martin Haselböck (Music Director), Cynthia Roberts (Concertmaster), Ashley Fabian (Soprano), Dr. Ianthe Obelia Marini (Alto), Pablo Corá (Tenor), Scott T. Graff (Bass) and the artists of Musica Angelica.
Tickets $43-$85; Receive 20% off concert tickets!This promo code is valid thru November 30. PROMO CODE XMAS24 Are you a veteran? Musica Angelica would like to thank you for your service. Please use PROMO CODE VETERAN24 and receive 30% off your tickets!
Musica Angelica will host a reception in the FCCLB Courtyard before the concert.
First Congregational Church of Long Beach 241 Cedar Avenue Long Beach, California 90802
more info: https://www.simpletix.com/e/christmas-in-vienna-long-beach-tickets-175166
Sunday, December 15 at 3 PM (Near Koreatown, Los Angeles)
Musica Angelica: Christmas in Vienna
Vienna has hosted December Markets since 1296, so they were likely enjoyed by Joseph and Michael Haydn as well as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. For a holiday surprise, festive works by these composers will be joined by the 1921 Christmas Music of Vienna native (and Los Angeles resident from 1934 on) Arnold Schoenberg, in celebration of the sesquicentennial of his birth.
Program Details
I. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo (Little Organ Mass), Hob. XXII:7 – Joseph Haydn
II. Concerto in F major for Violin, Organ and Strings, Hob. XVIII:6 – Joseph Haydn
III. Motet: Ergo interest, KV 143 for Soprano and Strings – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
IV. Weihnachtsmusik (Christmas Music) – Arnold Schoenberg
V. Cantata: Lauft ihr Hirten allzugleich for Soprano, Chorus and Strings – Johann Michael Haydn
Join Martin Haselböck (Music Director), Cynthia Roberts (Concertmaster), Ashley Fabian (Soprano), Dr. Ianthe Obelia Marini (Alto), Pablo Corá (Tenor), Scott T. Graff (Bass) and the artists of Musica Angelica.
Tickets $43-$85; Receive 20% off concert tickets!This promo code is valid thru November 30. PROMO CODE XMAS24 Are you a veteran? Musica Angelica would like to thank you for your service. Please use PROMO CODE VETERAN24 and receive 30% off your tickets!
Join Martin Haselböck (Music Director), Cynthia Roberts (Concertmaster), Ashley Fabian (Soprano), Dr. Ianthe Obelia Marini (Alto), Pablo Corá (Tenor), Scott T. Graff (Bass) and the artists of Musica Angelica.
Patrons are invited to a post-reception in the Shatto.
First Congregational Church of Los Angeles 540 South Commonwealth Avenue Los Angeles, California 90020
more info: https://www.simpletix.com/e/christmas-in-vienna-los-angeles-tickets-175213
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2024 4:00 PM 
The Wagner Ensemble : A German Christmas with Choir & Orchestra
Jeannine Wagner conducts this program of German baroque music, featuring Christmas Oratorio by Schütz, Bach Cantata BWV 36 Schwingt freudig euch empor, and a festive selection of German carols guaranteed to put some Gemütlichkeit in your holiday spirits.
The concert will be held in the beautiful St. Francis de Sales sanctuary, renowned for its acoustic excellence. Accessible seating is provided. Ample parking is available in the church parking lot.
program:
Heinrich Schütz: Historia de Geburt Jesu Christi (Christmas Oratorio)
J.S. Bach: BWV 36, Schwingt freudig euch empor
Your favorite German Christmas Carols
reception after the concert
Tickets General Admission: $20, Students & Seniors: $15, Tickets will also be sold at the door.
St. Francis De Sales Church 13370 Valleyheart Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Easily accessible entrance and seating.
For additional information, 310-339-4228, info@wagnerensemble.org
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Handel's Messiah:
Performances and Sing-a-longs
Two performances feature period instruments and are historically informed
(see Dec 18 and Dec 19).
Interesting variants are: Mozart's arrangement (Dec 15), and a "Soulful" arrangement (Nov 21).
Concert performances on Dec. 8, 15, 19, 20, 20,
Sing-a-longs (which include concert performances of arias with soloists) on :
Dec 1, 6, 6, 16, 18, 22
Summary in calendar order
(details below):
Thursday, November 21 2024 (album listening session and panel discussion) (USC, near downtown LA)
Mervyn Warren: The Making of "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration"—A Close Listening Session
Sunday, December 1 at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (two performances: 10AM and Noon) (Yorba Linda)
Nixon Library : Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along
December 8, 2024 | 3:00 PM (Costa Mesa)
Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony: Handel's Messiah
Friday, December 6 2024 8PM (Westwood)
Westwood Presbyterian Church’s Music: Messiah Sing-A-Long, with soloists
December 6, 2024 7:30 p.m. (Torrance)
Joanna Medawar Nachef, : Messiah Sing-Along, with organ, orchestra and soloists
Sunday December 15, 2024 7:00PM (downtown LA)
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Mozart arrangement of Handel's Messiah
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at 2:00 pm (Thousand Oaks)
Areté Vocal Ensemble: Handel's Messiah (Christmas portion)
Dec 16, 2024, 2024. 7:30pm (downtown LA)
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Messiah Sing-Along, with soloists
Wed December 18, 7:30 PM (Santa Monica)
St. Augustine Episcopal Church : Messiah performance (arias) and Sing-a-long (choruses).
Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Long Beach)
The Long Beach Camerata Singers and Tesserae Baroque Ensemble: Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 20, 2024 7:30 - 9:30pm (downtown LA)
DREAM Orchestra : Handel's Messiah
Fri Dec 20, 2024 - 7:30 PM (Glendale)
Holiday in Harmony: Handel's Messiah
Sunday, December 22, 2024, two performances, 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Claremont)
Claremont Symphony: Annual Messiah Sing-Along Concert: Messiah Part I plus Hallelujah Chorus, with soloists
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Detailed listings
Thursday, November 21 2024 (album listening session and panel discussion) (USC, near downtown LA)
Mervyn Warren: The Making of "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration"—A Close Listening Session
In 1992, Mervyn Warren, a five-time Grammy Award–winning composer-arranger and original member of Take 6, and a longtime collaborator of Quincy Jones— spearheaded a soulful rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Featuring an incredible array of special guests, the album spanned spirituals, blues, jazz, ragtime, big band, fusion, R&B, and hip hop, and won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. The album was executive produced by Quincy Jones.
6:30 pm – 7:45 pm – All audience members are invited to participate in a “close listening” of the album. Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration will be played in its entirety, in sequence. If you have never heard the album, or want to re-hear it, or if you simply want to be part of a collective listening experience to hear the album in a public setting, please join.
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm – After the close listening session, stay for a discussion panel / Q&A with Mervyn Warren and special guests, as they reminisce and share captivating stories about the album’s unique creation and recording near USC during the Los Angeles uprising and riots. This panel will be moderated by Jason King, dean of USC Thornton School of Music, and Dr. Tram Sparks, chair of the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program.
"The Making of Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration" is part of Quincy Jones: Beyond Category, an event series organized by the USC Thornton School of Music to explore, elevate, and celebrate Quincy Jones’s life and legacy. Working across styles and idioms including classical, jazz, pop, R&B, and film scoring—and breaking ground for African American achievement in the entertainment industries—Jones has garnered the highest levels of critical and commercial acclaim.
This event is presented by USC Visions & Voices: the Arts & Humanities Initiative.
FREE
USC, Carson Soundstage 3450 Watt Way Los Angeles CA 90089
Sunday, December 1 at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (two performances: 10AM and Noon) (Yorba Linda)
Nixon Library : Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along
The Yorba Linda Arts Alliance presents the 18th annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along. Enjoy time-honored beloved Christmas choruses accompanied by a live string orchestra and choir, conducted by David Walterman.
Free Event Admission, Seating is first come, first served.
Richard Nixon Presidential Library East Room, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Information at www.artsyl.org or call 714-349-2581.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/handels-messiah-sing-along-tickets-1048223453567
December 8, 2024 | 3:00 PM (Costa Mesa)
Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony: Handel's Messiah
A timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries of fads and fashions, Handel’s Glorious Messiah is an event of joy, reflection, and renewal. Thrill to the blazing trumpets, thundering timpani, and the electrifying, uplifting “Hallelujah” chorus!
Tickets $52-$228
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 615 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Friday, December 6 2024 8PM (Westwood)
Westwood Presbyterian Church’s Music: Messiah Sing-A-Long, with soloists
Westwood Presbyterian Church’s Music at Westwood presents their annual performance of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah on Friday evening, December 6, 2024, at 8 pm. The audience will join the Westwood Presbyterian Chancel Choir, six esteemed vocal soloists and the Westwood Presbyterian Chamber Orchestra, forming a 150-voice choir as part of the traditional “Messiah Sing-Along,” one of the few events of this kind in greater Los Angeles.
Composed over a three-week period in 1741, “Messiah” is a holiday favorite and regarded as one of the Handel’s finest oratorios. It includes such renowned arias and choruses as the celebratory “Ev’ry valley shall be exalted”, the exuberant “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion” and the majestic “Hallelujah”.
vocal soloists: Christina Borgioli (soprano), Devon Davidson (soprano), Emily Kerrigan (mezzo-soprano), Elias Berezin (tenor), Emerson Boatwright (tenor) and Matthew Lewis (bass); music director Dan Redfeld.
Ticket Information: $25 for adults, $10 for students, Children under 18 admitted FREE
Westwood Presbyterian Church 10822 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90024
more info: https://www.performingartslive.com/Events/Messiah-Sing-A-Long-Westwood-Presbyterian-Church-11
December 6, 2024 7:30 p.m. (Torrance)
Joanna Medawar Nachef, : Messiah Sing-Along, with organ, orchestra and soloists
Join us for our annual community sing-along performance of Handel’s Messiah, with organ, orchestra and professional soloists and YOU and the Chorus. This uplifting and heartwarming tradition, filled with sublime music, is sure to add sparkle and glow to your holiday season. Bring your own score or pick one up at the door .
Admission is FREE!
Center for the Arts at El Camino College, Haag Recital Hall. 16007 Crenshaw Blvd Torrance CA 90506
Sunday December 15, 2024 7:00PM (downtown Los Angeles)
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Mozart arrangement of Handel's Messiah
In celebration of our 60th Anniversary, the Chorale presents the rarely performed Mozart version of Handel’s Messiah. A tribute from one musical genius to another—Mozart’s “cover” of Handel’s Messiah is a revelation of symphonic grandeur and sensuous orchestral colors. In this extraordinary collaboration across centuries, Mozart’s nuanced arrangement elegantly enhances the grandeur of Handel’s sacred masterpiece. This is a rare opportunity to experience a beloved classic in a totally new way.
Performers: Grant Gershon, conductor, Graycen Gardner, soprano, Hannah Little, mezzo-soprano, Edmond Rodriguez, tenor, Steve Pence, bass, 48 singers, orchestra
Listen Up! KUSC Host Jennifer Miller Hammel and Grant Gershon, Kiki & David Gindler Artistic Director
Tickets $59-$179
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL 111 South Grand AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90012
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at 2:00 pm (Thousand Oaks)
Areté Vocal Ensemble: Handel's Messiah (Christmas portion)
The singers of Areté present music from George Frederic Handel’s timeless classic Messiah. Wyant Morton will conduct. Samuelson Chapel will be filled with joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus,” in this presentation of one of the best-loved and best-known works in all of classical music.
Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 if purchased online in advance. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.aretevocalensemble.org.
Samuelson Chapel 165 Chapel Lane Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
more info: https://www.aretevocalensemble.org/
Dec 16, 2024, 2024. 7:30pm (downtown LA)
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Messiah Sing-Along, with soloists
Be part of our vibrant holiday tradition at the Los Angeles Master Chorale and join us in singing Messiah in Walt Disney Concert Hall. You can bring your own score or purchase one in the lobby.
Come sing with us! Messiah Sing-Along will renew the spirit and infuse your Christmas season with joy. Revel in the magic, relish the tradition, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Performers: Grant Gershon, conductor, Chloé Vaught, soprano, Carmen Edano, mezzo-soprano, Evan Roberts, tenor, Jamal Moore, bass, 20 singers, chamber orchestra and YOU!
tickets: $49-$149
Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
more info: https://lamasterchorale.org/show-details/messiah-sing-along-la-sings
Wed December 18, 7:30 PM St. Augustine Episcopal Church (Santa Monica)
St. Augustine Episcopal Church : Messiah performance (arias) and Sing-a-long (choruses).
One of only two performances in the LA area historically informed with period instruments. Includes Bach Cantata BWV 82 Ich habe genung, Ariana Stultz, soloist. Performed with a full period orchestra of Baroque instruments playing at A415. Directed by Mike Raleigh (doctoral candidate in choral conducting, USC).
Soloists: Soprano: Jessica Berns-Garner, Laura Jackson Barrows; Alto: Ariana Stultz; Tenor: Kirk Garner; Bass: Jacob Alvarez-Ruiz, Kevin Allen
FREE
St. Augustine Episcopal Church has wonderful acoustics.
parking in City structure directly across the street from the church, 90 min free, 2 hours $2.00.
Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Long Beach)
The Long Beach Camerata Singers and Tesserae Baroque Ensemble: Handel’s Messiah
Tesserae Baroque joins Long Beach Camerata Singers in their 17th Annual performance of Handel’s beloved masterpiece. One of only two performances in the LA area historically informed with period instruments. This year, the performance will take place in the newly renovated Long Beach City College Auditorium! Say “Hallelujah” as we perform this beloved masterpiece, now in its 17th year! This year we again partner with the Tesserae Baroque Ensemble and award-winning soloists to share all vour favorite arias and choruses.
Tickets: VIP $70, Preferred $60, General $45
Long Beach City College Auditorium 4901 E. Carson Street Long Baech, CA 90808
more info: https://longbeachcameratasingers.org/event/handels-messiah-2024/
https://tesseraebaroque.org/event/the-long-beach-camerata-singers-handels-messiah/
Friday, December 20, 2024 7:30 - 9:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm) (downtown LA)
DREAM Orchestra : Handel's Messiah
Experience the power of Handel's masterpiece in person, surrounded by the stunning architecture of the cathedral. Prepare to be moved by the soaring voices and enchanting melodies that will fill the sacred space. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness a truly extraordinary performance.
General Admission: $40. (Use discount code "CATHEDRAL" for $10 off!)
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. 555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
more info: https://olacathedral.org/events/handels-messiah
Fri Dec 20, 2024 - 7:30 PM (Glendale)
Holiday in Harmony: Handel's Messiah
Alex Theatre 216 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203
Note: there is no apparent web site for this event, nor any available information
Sunday, December 22, 2024, two performances, 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Claremont)
Claremont Symphony: Annual Messiah Sing-Along Concert: Messiah Part I plus Hallelujah Chorus, with soloists
soloists: Lindsay Feldmeth Westra, soprano, Emily Weinberg, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Dunn, tenor, Jóhann Schram Reed, bass-baritone; conducted by Music Director Robert Sage
Bridges Hall of Music, 150 E. 4th Street (corner of 4th and College), Claremont, CA, on Pomona College campus
Master Calendars
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Credit: Renaissance minstrels in Augsburg (1520). iStock.com/© gameover2012
Early Music Around Town
A timely shortlist of local early music concerts and events.
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To view the entire season of concerts and events, consult the current Master Calendar.
Please note that SCEMS does not present or sponsor concerts.
The listings below include early music related concerts and events offered by organizations throughout the Southern California area. Readers are advised to call ahead to verify events, times, and ticket availability, which are subject to change.