2012 Concert Series
Concert 1Mediterranean Rhythms
The infectious melodies and the intoxicating rhythms from the fertile grounds of Southern Europe are captured in a program of songs, dances and improvisations.
Concert 2La Melodia Antica
Exploring the popular Italian renaissance song known as the frottola in all their colourful variations, these songs of love were poetic, rhythmic and danceable in style.
Concert 3Queen of the Golden Age
Elizabethan songs and consort music from the Golden Age of England when music became increasingly expressive, inventive and refined, reaching new heights of popularity.
Concert 4Flemish Masters Abroad
Haunting chansons and lively dances from 16th century Flanders, a time when Flemish composers set the musical standards and were in demand throughout all of Europe.
Concert 5Mexican Baroque Encounters
From the Iberian Peninsula to the Mexican Baroque, the New World was a melting pot of cultures that produced a wealth of exciting and captivating music.
2011 Concert Series
Concert 1Discovery – The Portuguese Empire
During the Age of Discovery the Portuguese Empire spanned from the Iberian Peninsula to the New World and produced a wonderful blend of beautiful and fascinating music.
Concert 2Metropolis – The Venetian Republic
A destination of international repute, Venice during the renaissance was regarded as the metropolis of the music world. This famed city attracted the finest composers and musicians.
Concert 3Civilization – The Duchy of Burgundy
Under the rule of Philip the Good, the Burgundian court became the centre of late mediaeval civilization, with their stylistic musical innovations influencing much of the Western world.
Concert 4Exchange – The Danish Court
The popular Danish King, Christian IV embarked on a mission to internationalize his northern lands, and engaged in a cultural exchange program that created a court rich in musical life.
Concert 5Diversity – The Kingdom of Naples
Rich in cultural diversity, the Kingdom of Naples flourished in the renaissance and was a major centre for the arts. Rediscover the lively Neapolitan spirit in with villanelle, frottole and tarantelle.
2010 Concert Series
Concert 1Los Maestros de Sevilla
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.
Concert 2Calendimaggio di Firenze
The Florentine Calendimaggio, or May carnival, during the rule of the Medici’s was an elaborate outdoor festival celebrating spring. All classes of Florentines parading through the streets singing and dancing the ‘canzoni da ballo’.
Concert 3Chansons nouvelles de Paris
The Parisian chansons that entertained the French bourgeoisie flourished in the 16th century, popular throughout Europe, they were highly varied in character and included some of the most popular tunes of the time.
Concert 4Music for a Bavarian Duke
Albert V, Duke of Bavaria, a lavish patron of the arts, established his court as a significant cultural hub north of the Alps with the finest international talents including impressive instrumental and vocal forces.