Seville as the sole port for the riches of the New World, flourished in the 16th century with its cathedrals attracting the finest composers and musicians, and its publishing houses printing many of the masterpieces of Spanish music. La Compañia, Australia's premiere Renaissance instrument ensemble, presents a program of tender love songs and lively dance tunes from this time, exploring the music of Francisco Guerrero, Alonso Mudarra, Juan Vásques and Miguel de Fuenllana.

The Florentine Calendimaggio, or May carnival, during the rule of the Medici's was an elaborate outdoor festival celebrating spring. All classes of Florentines gathered in the streets, they participated in processions and were entertained by masked performers parading through the streets singing and dancing the 'canzoni da ballo' (dancing songs). Join La Compañia in rediscovering these exciting and lively Carnival songs from 16th-Century Florence.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of one of the grand masterpieces of all Western music. Monteverdi's Vespers (1610) is both a rapturous celebration of the sonic power and pageantry of High Renaissance Venice, and a stunning declaration of the birth of a new musical age - the Baroque. The Consort of Melbourne, and period instrumental ensemble La Compañia, perform the Vespers for the first time midst the glorious visual and acoustical surrounds of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. An unmissable musical event.