On November
19, 1986, Thallis Hoyt Drake and a group of visionary friends met at the
Milwaukee Public Library's Centennial Hall for the purpose of founding an
organization "dedicated to the enrichment and expansion of musical offerings in
southeastern Wisconsin
by presenting historically informed performances and educational experiences by
recognized artists and ensembles that specialize in music before 1800." Early Music Now has enjoyed a stellar
reputation with its artists and audiences from the very beginning.
As the only
presenter in the entire state that focuses exclusively on historically
informed, period instrument performances of Medieval, Renaissance, and early
Baroque music, EMN aims to ensure the continued vitality of the arts in Wisconsin.Other presenters may offer some early music
programs, short-term festivals, or modern-instrument adaptations of this
special repertoire.But no other
presenter carries this banner consistently, or maintains EMN's intense and
exclusive focus on early music.
EMN is
widely regarded as one of the most creative and successful early music
presenting organizations in the United
States, and attracts the finest and most
creative period musicians for concerts and outreach events.Each ensemble has its own individual appeal
for our audiences, but all of them are engaging, warm, and truly human
representatives of music and history.Over the past 22 years, EMN has presented world-class artists from England, Brazil,
Japan, China, Germany,
Holland, Spain,
and from the major early music centers of the United States -- often contributing
to the launching of the reputations of artists new on the scene, as well as
participating in the continued presentation of established artists.
The music
of past centuries carries within it the culture and character of all the
peoples of the world.Just as, in the
past, music's development informed and helped shape humanity across entire
regions, so does our experience of the musical expressions of earlier times put
us back in touch with the basic needs, hopes, and dreams of our shared
humanity.
A recent
updating of the original mission statement reads:"Early Music Now is dedicated to the creation
of lively connections with the past through historically informed presentations
of music composed before 1800."This
statement summarizes EMN's unique role in the cultural fabric of the region:
- To
present the best performances of Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque music
from all over the world;
- To trace
the evolving rhythms of music over the past 10 centuries and more, through the
tantalizing sounds of authentic instruments and glorious voices;
- To
experience the flow of history through the vitality of carefully researched and
brilliantly executed performances; and
- To bring
this delightful and amazing music to a growing audience in Milwaukee and beyond.
EMN 25th
Anniversary Season
Over the past 24 seasons, Milwaukee's
Early Music Now has gained
an enviable reputation as one of the most creative and vital presenters of
Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque artists and ensembles in the United
States. Performers from all over the world vie for a spot on EMN's roster, and
regularly comment on the sizeable and enthusiastic early music audience in
Milwaukee, as well as the beauty and hospitality of the city.
With the announcement of its
25th Anniversary Season: "A Season of
Celebrations," EMN sets out to survey music from England, Germany,
Italy, and Spain spanning eight centuries, performed in six stellar concerts by
eight artist/ensembles representing the stars of the international early music
world. With a decided emphasis on music of the Renaissance, the series also
highlights one concert each of Baroque virtuosity and Medieval creativity,
continuing the emphasis on music "Across Borders -- Across Time."
The season's star-studded lineup of early music virtuosi includes: Jordi and
Ferran Savall; The Theatre of Early Music with soprano Deborah York and
countertenor Daniel Taylor; Stile Antico; a Medieval band: Shira Kammen, Margriet
Tindemans, and Peter Maund; Piffaro - the Renaissance Band; King's Noyse; Ellen
Hargis; Ensemble Calmus Leipzig; and QNG: Quartet New Generation Recorder
Collective.
Matching glorious music to the most appropriate venue brings concerts to many
of the city's landmark halls: the UWM Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing
Arts, Wisconsin Lutheran College, St. John's Cathedral, All Saints' Cathedral,
and St. Joseph Chapel. As is its custom, most EMN concerts will be on Saturdays
beginning at 5:00, with the exception of the October 8 season opener by Jordi
and Ferran Savall (at 8:00), and the December 10 Christmas concert by Stile
Antico (at 7:30). The remaining dates are November 19 (the actual anniversary
date of EMN's founding in 1986), February 18, March 17, and April 21.
Tickets are available in 3 seating sections: Premium, Preferred, or General
Admission, and may be purchased as a full 6-concert series, partial series of
5, 4, or 3 concerts, or as individual tickets. The Premium seating section will
close on June 30th. All subscribers to any full 6-concert series prior to June
30th will receive an additional bonus ticket for the concert of their choice.
Adult/Senior subscriptions in the
Premium Section are $260 (6 concerts),
$220 (5), $180 (4), and $140 (3), with student tickets at half-price.
Adult/Senior subscriptions in the Preferred Section are $200 (6
concerts), $170 (5), $140 (4), and $110 (3), with student tickets at
half-price. Adult/Senior subscriptions in the General Admission Section
are $130 (6 concerts), $110 (5), $90 (4), and $70 (3), with student tickets
priced at $40 (6 concerts), $35 (5), $30 (4), and $25 (3). Individual
adult/senior tickets are priced at $25, $40, and $50, with individual student
tickets priced at $10, $20, and $25. Student tickets are available for students
of any age, 6 or older.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.earlymusicnow.org, by phone at
414.225.3113, or by mail at 759 N Milwaukee St #420, Milwaukee 53202. Ticket
prices include the applicable sales tax, and there are no added handling or
service charges. As an added accommodation, subscribers may exercise the option
to pay half of the total amount with the order, and the balance by August 15.
Tickets will be mailed beginning Labor Day week.
Additional celebratory events will be announced on EMN's website and by email,
including several anniversary receptions, pre-concert lectures, a Medieval
dinner, and the annual Chocolate Reception and Silent Auction.
Executive & Artistic Director Charles Q. Sullivan
is currently in his tenth year at the helm of Early Music Now, the highly
successful Milwaukee
presenter of Medieval, Renaissance and early-Baroque programming. His
background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in music performance,
teaching in public and private institutions from kindergarten through the
graduate level, and extensive experience in the business world. His
professional positions have included work in Minnesota,
Ohio, and Massachusetts. From 1972 through 1982 and
again in 1988, he formed and directed a semi-professional choral/instrumental
ensemble that performed over 120 varied choral and orchestral concerts, solo
and chamber recitals in the Milwaukee
area and in neighboring states.
He served as Executive Producer & Director
of Liturgical Drama at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee from 1985
through 1992, producing fully staged performances of The Play of Daniel and
Nicholas Plays to large audiences and critical acclaim. Since joining Early
Music Now as general manager in September 2001, he has led the organization to
expanded programming and educational outreach, and to a prominent role in
promoting early music activities throughout the region. He currently serves on
the board of Early Music America,
a national organization that serves as an advocate for the field of early music
throughout North America.
Early Music Now ■ 759 N Milwaukee Street - Suite 420 ■ Milwaukee, WI 53202-3750 info@earlymusicnow.org ■ 414.225.3113 ■ 877.546.8742 ■ fax 414.225.3787
