Early Music Around Town
A timely (this month) shortlist of local early music concerts and events.
To view the entire season of concerts and events (including past 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.
Master Calendars
Credit: Renaissance minstrels in Augsburg (1520). iStock.com/© gameover2012
December 2021
Dec. 2, 2021 5pm PST Zoom presentation
On The Record(er): Interview with Vicki Boeckman with moderator Inga Funck
Inga Funck presents the second in her On The Record(er) series.
Vicki Boeckman, an internationallyacclaimed performing and recording artist, will talk about the amazing diversity hercareer has brought: from performing with the finest musicians and musical groups of the day, to teaching recorder to all age groups, and thriving in the role of
artistic director of recorder workshops and recorder societies. You will also hear about the benefits of Alexander Technique, the realities of a professional recorder player during a pandemic, and much more. Feel free to submit questions you might want to ask in advance and share the info about this event.
more info and previous interviews at the YouTube Channel "On The Record(er):
The previous series interview with recorder maker Jeff Holt can be watched here :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE957644XFc&ab_channel=OnTheRecord_er
To join the Zoom meeting, email funck.inga@gmail.com for the Zoom link
December 3, 2021 8PM (PT)
The USC Thornton Baroque Sinfonia: Toquen y baylen: Festive Baroque Music from Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Spain
Directed by Rotem Gilbert and Jason Yoshida
Tickets are free but must be reserves in advance and attendees must show proof they are fully vaccinated. You can also watch the livestream!:
https://www.thorntonlive.usc.edu/post/12-3-baroque-sinfonia
USC campus, Newman Recital Hall 700 Childs Way, Los Angeles CA, 90089
Reserve your free ticket here or watch the livestream:
https://www.thorntonlive.usc.edu/post/12-3-baroque-sinfonia
All attendees must show proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to have had a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of the start of the event.
December 3, 2021 7 pm
Desert Baroque: The Baroque Era in a Modern Age: Louis, Louis! Meet us in Versailles
Music for viola da gamba by Marin Maris, St. Colombe, and d’Anglebert Marylin Winkle, viola da gamba | Margaret Irwin-Brandon, harpsichord
THE ARTISTS CENTER at the GALEN, 72567 Hwy 111, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260
The audience is requested to provide ID, proof of vaccination, and to be masked, until further notice.
more info: https://www.desertbaroque.com/
413-285-6881
Saturday, December 4, 12pm & 2pm
ERIC BYERS, cello: J.S. BACH CELLO SUITES 1 & 6 and French works by Marais and Saint-Colombe.
The Da Camera Society presents virtuoso cellist Eric Byers, performing J.S. Bach’s first and sixth solo cello suites in the breathtaking Pompeian Room. LA-based cellist Eric Byers delivers a breathtaking interpretation of J.S. Bach’s sixth cello suite. The last of J.S. Bach’s six cello suites, this collection of stylized baroque dances was likely written for a now-extinct five-stringed instrument called a violincello piccolo. Eric’s virtuosity shines in the rollicking ritornelli of the opening Prelude and the bouncy gestures of the danceable Gavotte. His performance of the “French” Courante and the “Spanish” Sarabande, meanwhile, capture the lyricism of a composer whose work was inseparable from vocal music.
Program: Cello Suite No. 1 – J.S. Bach, “Le Retrouve” – Jean de Sainte-Colombe, “Les Vox Humaines” – Marin Marais, Cello Suite No. 6 – J.S. Bach
Reception: Enjoy a selection of fine wines and an individually-wrapped appetizer plate on the beautiful grounds of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Doheny Campus.
Tickets, $100, must be purchased in advance. Refund policy - contact the organizer to request a refund, tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eric-byers-plays-bach-sat-dec-4-12pm-2pm-tickets-208401734197. Only 45 audience members per event; Vaccination card and health screen certificate required, see protocol at https://dacamerasociety.org/covid-19-protocol/
Parking is free.
Pompeian Room of the Doheny Mansion, Mount Saint Mary's University , 10 Chester Place , Los Angeles, CA 90007
more info:
https://dacamerasociety.org/concerts-upcoming/eric-byers-cello/
https://dacamerasociety.org/watch/eric-byers-js-bach-cello-suite-6/
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 AT 8 P.M.
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra: BAROQUE CHAMBER MUSIC
Curated by Concertmaster Margaret Batjer, this Baroque chamber presentation spotlights members of the Orchestra as they take center stage in this concerto-heavy program featuring the violin, oboe, flute, and harpsichord. You will also hear Joseph Haydn’s delightful first string quartet, Op. 1, No. 1. This program is offered in loving memory of Warner Henry, a champion of LACO and lover of chamber and Baroque music.
MARGARET BATJER CURATOR,TEREZA STANISLAV VIOLIN,JASON ISSOKSON VIOLIN,SANDY HUGHES FLUTE,CLAIRE BRAZEAU OBOE,PATRICIA MABEE HARPSICHORD
Program:
CARLOS SEIXAS: Concerto in A Major for Harpsichord and Strings
ANTONIO VIVALDI: Oboe Concerto in F Major RV 455
GIOVANNI BATTISTA PERGOLESI: Violin Concerto in B-flat Major
JOSEPH HAYDN:String Quartet Op. 1, No. 1
GEORG PHILIPP TELEMANN: Concerto in A minor for Violin, Flute, Oboe and Continuo
The Huntington, San Marino , 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
more info: laco.org
Sunday December 5 10:45 AM live and streaming
Wessex Consort: Advent II service at First Baptist Church Glendale
The Wessex Consort, led by Bruce Teter and John Robinson, presents music for the second Sunday in Advent, with medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Christmas music. Program includes “Angelus ad Virginem” on medieval bagpipes, symphony, organ, recorders, cornamuse, and voice; Renaissance carols on low and high recorder consorts and alta cappella loud band with shawms, dulcian and sackbut; and the French Baroque carol “Il est né le divin enfant” on French Baroque bagpipe (musette), recorders, Baroque guitar, harpsichord, ‘cello, and voice.
First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N Louise St, Glendale, CA 91206
Parking: Parking lot entrance off Maryland - no parking fee for Sunday morning church guests
Streaming live at https://firstbaptistglendale.org/live
Wed Dec 8, 2021 - 8:00PM
Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord): Colburn Celebrity Recital
The acclaimed harpsichordist who reimagines what is possible for his instrument.
Walt Disney Concert Hall.
https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/1349/2021-12-08/colburn-celebrity-recital-mahan-esfahani
From October 6 to 17, you can enjoy 30% savings on tickets in select sections for select concerts. Browse the list of events below, and when you’re ready to purchase:
Enter the promo code WELCOMEBACK in the upper right corner of the screen.
December 11th 2021, 7:30 PM
December 12th 2021, 3:00 PM:
Music Angelica: A Baroque Christmas
Martin Haselbock, Music Director; Teresa Wakim, Soprano; Siegfried Kock, Trumpet
PROGRAM
Francesco Manfredini: Concerto grosso op. 3/12 C-Major, "Christmas Concerto“
G. F. Handel: Aria: „Eternal Source of light divine“ for Soprano, Trumpet and Orchestra, Aria: Let the bright Seraphim“ for Soprano, Trumpet and Orchestra
G. F. Telemann: Concerto D-Major for Violin, Cello, Trumpet and Orchestra
Michel Corette: Suite de Noëls
J. S. Bach: Cantata "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen“ for Soprano, Trumpet and Orchestra
December 11th 2021, 7:30 PM: Beverly O'Neill Theater, Long Beach
December 12th 2021, 3:00 PM: First Congregational Church, Los Angeles
more info: parking, etc. www.musicaangelica.org
Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 8pm (ET) to December 25, 2021
ONLINE VIRTUAL PREMIERE
BEMF Chamber Opera : Telemann’s Pimpinone and Ino
Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, Musical Directors
Gilbert Blin & Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière, Stage Directors
Explore the depth and scope of Telemann’s genius with a fascinating pairing of comedy and drama. Inspired by the Italian comic intermezzi, Pimpinone approaches social class and seduction with stylish slapstick and evocative humanity as the narcissistic Pimpinone is stung by the beauty and barbs of his charming chambermaid, Vespetta. The cantata Ino is a true hidden gem with a thrilling story drawn from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Written late in Telemann’s life, this miniature masterpiece is a bridge between the Baroque and Classical eras, full of scintillating theatrics and show-stopping virtuosity.
Musical Directors Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs alongside Stage Directors Gilbert Blin and Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière lead three of BEMF’s favorite singers and the all-star BEMF Chamber Ensemble in this engaging double bill. Starring in Pimpinone will be stellar soprano Danielle Reutter-Harrah as Vespetta alongside thrilling baritone Douglas Williams in the title role, while Ino will feature celebrated soprano Amanda Forsythe. Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière will also appear as a dancer in the production. Rounding out the directorial team will be Concertmaster Robert Mealy leading the Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble, Dance Director Melinda Sullivan, Costume Designers Gilbert Blin & Meriem Bahri, and Executive Producer Kathleen Fay.
Virtual tickets: https://bemf.secure.force.com/ticket/#/instances/a0F1G00000KJCB4UAP
more info: https://bemf.org/concert-season/chamber-opera-series/
Saturday, December 11, 2021 8:00PM
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: The Complete Brandenburg Concerti
Arguably the greatest of all baroque concertos, Bach's six masterpieces unfailingly provide spiritual fulfillment for music lovers of all faiths and beliefs, inspiring strength at year's end and a vision of the brightest future.
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, (CMS) is one of eleven constituents of the largest performing arts complex in the world, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 615 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Sun, December 12, 2021 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PST Streaming Online
GREAT MUSIC AT SAINT JAMES presents the CHOIR OF SAINT JAMES in a service of Advent Lessons and Carols ; in-person, streamed and on-demand.
In Person is SOLD OUT
Streaming Live: https://stjla.org/greatmusic/
This Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols originated at King’s College, Cambridge, England, in 1934 and was composed by Dean Eric Milner-White, who had also been responsible nine years earlier for beginning the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas Eve. One purpose of this service is “not to celebrate Christmas, but to expect it.” The CHOIR OF SAINT JAMES is honored to bring this English tradition to American audiences in the style of King's College, Cambridge.
Saturday, December 18, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 19, 2021, 5:00 p.m
Bach Collegium San Diego: CHARPENTIER: JOYEUX NOËL
Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit, celebrates Christ's Nativity with popular French carols of the day, while In Nativitatem Domini Canticum retells the Christmas story in the sumptuous style of the Grand Motet.
Program: Marc-Antoine Charpentier: Messe de Minuït pour Noël H. 9, and In Nativitatem Domini Canticum H. 416
tickets $15-$55
Saturday, December 18, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
3459 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
Sunday, December 19, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
All Souls' Episcopal Church
1475 Catalina Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
more info: https://bachcollegiumsd.org/
Sun, Dec 19, 2021 7:00 PM
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Handel's Messiah
ARTISTS: Grant Gershon, conductor, Christina Bristow, soprano, Shabnam Kalbasi, mezzo-soprano, Jon Lee Keenan, tenor, Derrell Acon, baritone, 48 singers, chamber orchestra
LISTEN UP! PRE-CONCERT TALK: Sunday, December 19 at 6 pm , With Jennifer Miller, Dr. Zanaida Robles, and Grant Gershon.
Tickets $43 and up
Disney Concert Hall, downtown LA
Mon, Dec 20, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Messiah Sing-Along (40th Annual)
Be part of our beloved 40-year holiday tradition. You can bring your own score or purchase one in the lobby!
tickets $43 and up
Walt Disney Concert Hall, downtown LA
December 18-28 Online Video of concert
Pfffaro - The Renaissance Band: Let the Holidays Resound!
In the 2021/2022 Season we celebrate Joan Kimball & Bob Wiemken and the dream they brought to life forty years ago (read about their retirement & Piffaro’s future here). Expect deep scholarship married to engaging programming that audiences have come to love; superb guest artists; and dozens of renaissance instruments played with prowess by our six incomparable musicians, with Clara Rottsolk, soprano and Jason McStoots, tenor
This year's edition of our annual holiday concert is a musical travelogue - our retiring founders' most beloved selections from four decades of music spanning diverse traditions.
• German chorales – Vom Himmel hoch, Resonet in laudibus and In dulci jubilo
• French noels in arrangements for recorders, bagpipes, lute, and voices
• Marian hymns from Spain
• Sephardic songs celebrating the preparation of food for Chanukah
• Seasonal music from England – variations on Greensleeves and The Old Yeare now has fled
Watch the band perform Quita'l tas: https://youtu.be/0-oD5eDt7Uc
Concert Video On Demand: 12/18-12/28: ticket $19
https://piffaro.secure.force.com/ticket/#/events/a0S1H00000T0ystUAB
more info: https://www.piffaro.org/21-22-season/
more tech info about the stream: https://www.piffaro.org/support/
Sun, Dec 19, 2021 7:00 PM
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Handel's Messiah
ARTISTS: Grant Gershon, conductor, Christina Bristow, soprano, Shabnam Kalbasi, mezzo-soprano, Jon Lee Keenan, tenor, Derrell Acon, baritone, 48 singers, chamber orchestra
LISTEN UP! PRE-CONCERT TALK: Sunday, December 19 at 6 pm , With Jennifer Miller, Dr. Zanaida Robles, and Grant Gershon.
Tickets $43 and up
Disney Concert Hall, downtown LA