May 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026, 8:00 PM
Thornton Baroque Sinfonia: Music of English, Scottish, and American Revolutions
Directed by Adam Gilbert and Jason Yoshida
USC, Newman Recital Hall 700 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Saturday May 2, 2026 7:30 PM (Pasadena)
Musica Transalpina: Echoes of Venice – Musical Treasures from the Graz Court
In 2026, Musica Transalpina commemorates four centuries since the death of Giovanni Priuli, who was Emperor Ferdinand II.’s cherished chapel master. Priuli was one of the most prominent composers to first import baroque musical influences from Venice while working at the Graz court. We are presenting impressive passages from the Graz chorbuch written for four choirs which have never been heard in modern times, and several enormous motets in up to twelve parts from Priuli’s nearly impossible to access Sacrorum Concentuum … pars altera, which was published in 1619: the same year that Emperor Ferdinand moved his court to Vienna –– a process which lasted the Graz court musicians well into 1620. The Graz court was, therefore, the entry point which brought the baroque to Austria, and, from there, throughout rest of Europe.
tickets:$37-$80
Musica Transalpina is registered as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and all donations are tax-deductible.
St. Andrew Church 311 North Raymond Avenue Pasadena CA 91103
Free parking in the lot diagonally across from St. Andrew’s.
more info: https://musicatransalpina.org/2026/03/03/graz/
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 6:00PM Pre-concert lecture at 5:00pm (Thousand Oaks)
Conejo Valley Choral Society (CVCS): Bach Mass in B minor.
CVCS will be performing Bach’s Mass in B minor with members of the California Young Artists Symphony and soloists Mandy Bryant (Soprano), Anika Kildegaard (Soprano), Sarabeth Belón (Alto), Fran Daniel Laucerica (Tenor), and Keith Colclough (Bass).
General Admission: $30 | Senior/Active Military: $25 | Students: $10
Samuelson Chapel at California Lutheran University, 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks,
more info: ConejoValleyChoralSociety.com/season
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (Long Beach)
Catalyst Chamber Ensemble : Monteverdi
Holding true to the nature of Monteverdi’s own 16th century madrigals, the Catalyst Ensemble will sing stories ranging from love, desire, drama and grief. Immerse yourself in the richness and emotion of Monteverdi’s Selva Morale e Spirituale, a masterwork bursting with Baroque drama and devotion. This performance brings the music to life with vivid expression and historical flair—sacred music that stirs the soul and transcends time. Catalyst is conducted by its founding Artistic Director, Grammy winner Dr. James K. Bass, and at this concert, Catalyst will be accompanied by a five-piece Baroque orchestra.
Tickets are $46 for preferred and $60 for VIP, 20% discount for SCEMS members using code "VENICE20".
St. Cornelius Catholic Church 5500 E Wardlow Rd Long Beach, CA 90808
Website and ticket purchase:
Sunday, May 31, 2026 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Adams district near 10 freeway and Arlington)
UCLA Early Music Ensemble: Adam de la Halle’s Le Jeu de Robin et Marion (The Play of Robin and Marion, 1283)
This Arts on the Grounds of the Clark Library Special Event, organized by the UCLA Early Music Ensemble and UCLA Department of Musicology, and joined by internationally renowned vielle player/fiddler, Shira Kammen, presents a new adaptation of Adam de la Halle’s Le Jeu de Robin et Marion (The Play of Robin and Marion, 1283). Our new, English adaptation by Dr. Lawrence Rosenwald (Professor Emeritus, Wellesley College) tells the original tale of Maid Marion, Robin Hood, and their merry friends as they outsmart a cruel knight. Modern audiences of all ages will feel enchanted as actors and singers transport us to the thirteenth century with music performed on instruments from the Middle Ages. Pack a picnic basket and join us in our feast to celebrate the knight’s defeat!
This production is site-specific and takes place entirely outdoors on the grounds of the Clark Library. A limited number of audience chairs will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low foldable chairs for additional seating.
The Clark Library property will open at 12:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to picnic on the grounds prior to the performance. No alcohol is permitted.
A casual music prelude performance will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by a pre-performance lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Upton (Associate Professor, UCLA Department of Musicology) at 1:30 p.m. The mainstage production will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m.
Performance by the UCLA Early Music Ensemble, featuring: Laur Trustee (Marion), Olivia Pison (Knight), Charlotte Kelly (Robin), Lois McTrang (Peronelle), Miranda Claxton (Baudons), Abbey Thompson (Gautiers), and David Lerner (Huart).
Directed by Dr. Marylin Winkle (faculty, Department of Musicology); with Assistant Director Jillian Risigari-Gai (Teaching Assistant). Featuring Guest Artist: Shira Kammen (vielle).
Translation by Dr. Lawrence Rosenwald (Professor Emeritus, Wellesley College).
This event will be held in-person and outdoors at the Clark Library.
The event is free to attend with advance registration. Register at:
https://www.1718.ucla.edu/events/robin-and-marion/
UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Library 2520 Cimarron Street, Los Angeles, CA 90018
Limited parking on site, additional street parking.
June 2026
Friday, June 19 • 7:30 PM - 9:00 (Santa Monica)
Baroque Collegium LA: Meditations
Join us for an evening of moving music, featuring cantatas by Johann Ernst Bach and Johann Ludwig Bach, members of the famous family that produced the famous Johann Sebastian Bach. These cantatas are surrounded by meditations on Love, Mercy, and Wisdom by Hildegard von Bingen and Los Angeles based composer Zanaida Robles. Come light a candle with us and enter into an evening of soothing beauty.
Free, donations accepted
St Augustine By-The-Sea Church 1227 4th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401
parking: in city lot across the street, first 1.5-2 hours free
Master Calendars
Credit: Renaissance minstrels in Augsburg (1520). iStock.com/© gameover2012
Early Music Around Town
A timely shortlist of local early music concerts and events.
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.