Edited by Randi Bjornstad
Alice Blankenship and her microphilharmonic Baroque ensemble on period instruments turn their attention this year to Henry Purcell and the English Baroque music of the 17th century as it was influenced by German, Italian and French music of the period.
In announcing the November concerts, Blankenship says that “Composers such as Anthony Holborne, William Lawes, John Dowland, and Thomas Baltzar will lead us — through fantasia, galliard, pavan and divisions — to the familiar and celebrated voice of Henry Purcell.”
The finale will be 10 pieces that make up the first instrumental suite of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, written in 1692. Written as a “semi-opera,” Purcell intended the work as an homage to William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, especially to the Queen of the Fairies, Titania.
The program includes
Microphilharmonic performers include music director Blankenship, who also plays baroque violin along with Emma Simmons; Bryce caste, baroque viola; Colin Shipman, bass gamba; Titus Young, baroque cello, David Rogers, lute, and Tung Nguyen, organ and harpsichord.
Henry Purcell & The English Baroque by microphilharmonic
When: 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6
Where: Jaqua Concert Hall, The Shedd Institute, 868 High St., Eugene
Tickets: $25/$30/$35/$39 (some discounts available; youth free; students 50 percent off with current ID); available at the ticket office, 541-434-7000 or online at theshedd.org
Dinner at The Shedd: Available at 6 p.m. after matinee and before evening performance, by reservation at 541-434-7000 or online; $27.75 for adults, $19.75 for children 9 years and younger
