Back in time to the 17th century we go! Folger Consort's 50th anniversary season is pulling back the curtains on an era that reshaped music, with Claudio Monteverdi leading the charge. This isn't just another concert series; it's a homage to the roots of a musical revolution, echoing through the hallowed halls of the Folger Shakespeare Library's Elizabethan Theatre. From September 11 to 13, 2026, Monteverdi's Legacy unfurls a rich tapestry of Baroque brilliance.
A Nostalgic Celebration
There's something special about revisiting your roots, something the co-Artistic Directors, Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall, seem to understand. As Eisenstein puts it, "We're indulging in some nostalgia." And who wouldn't? Going back to pieces that were pieces of the inaugural season half a century ago, the Consort digs deep into the golden age of music in Venice and delivers it to today's audience.
The Star of the Show: Claudio Monteverdi
Monteverdi is a name that rings bells in the world of early music. His concerted madrigals and groundbreaking compositions spurred a shift from the Renaissance to Baroque. Folger Consort dives right into Monteverdi's catalog, harmonizing madrigals with fiddles and plucking virtuoso melodies on guitars and harpsichords. There's an energy here, the kind that ignites the air with every note.
More Than Just Monteverdi
Yet, it's not just a one-man show. Monteverdi’s followers add layers to this musical feast. Composers like Giovanni Battista Fontana and Francesco Cavalli thread their own mark into the concert's fabric. Fontana's sonatas and Cavalli's operas offer a lush counterbalance, reminding us of the era's rich diversity. Throw Giovanni Rovetta and Biagio Marini into the mix, and you have a lineup that honors the maestros of the era.
“We still love its revolutionary and virtuosic nature and continue to be resolute members of the Monteverdi fan club.” — Robert Eisenstein and Christopher Kendall
The Performers: A Lineup to Leave You Awestruck
With performers like soprano Jessica Beebe and violinist Tatiana Chulochnikova gracing the stage, each piece promises to evoke Montverdi's era like never before. The perennial Robert Eisenstein adds his viola da gamba, guiding audiences through a time long past with seasoned expertise.
Tuning Into the Experience
As much as it's about the past, this concert is also about connecting the audience to history. Tickets range from $20 to $50, but premium access comes with a deeper dive into the art. Pre-show talks and virtual seminars with the directors themselves offer an insider’s peek into this curated journey.
For those fervently keen on a sneak peek, you can pop into a preliminary seminar on September 9. Eisenstein leads the charge on Zoom, welcoming questions from students of the Baroque to newbies eager to soak it all in.
A Symposium of Sound
Sponsors and patrons make sure this music reaches everyone. Folger Consort expresses gratitude to benefactors like Andrea "Andi" Kasarsky and Charles C. Hanna. Their support serves as the backbone that keeps this rich heritage alive and spinning.
As Folger Consort takes the stage to recount stories of old, attendees are not merely observers. They’re part of a vibrant legacy, a living testament to the age of Monteverdi and his transformational peers. Let's tip our hats—and ears—to history!
