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Early Music Now

It's About Time!
It's About 20 Years!

(Program notes for the 20th. Anniversary Concert on November 4, 2006.)

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.” This evening’s gala commemorates that November meeting of 20 years ago, and continues our year-long celebration.

With the theme “It’s About Time!” – this 20th Anniversary season is planned to build on the successes of the previous 19 seasons:

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.

Over the 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 06-07 season combines those traditions with inclusion of 4 ensembles that have international reputations and have become household words throughout the early music world, and 2 rising ensembles that will be new to Milwaukee audiences.

Early Music Now has enjoyed a stellar reputation with its artists and audiences from the very beginning. In recent years its presence has expanded, increasing to six concerts each season, and now with regular excursions into Madison, Northern Illinois, and other regional venues. The 06-07 season offers six concerts in Milwaukee, with two also offered in Madison and Evanston (Illinois), and with outreach activities in Sheboygan.

The Chicago-based Newberry Consort holds a special place in the hearts of Milwaukee’s early music lovers. They opened the inaugural season of EMN, and have had a continuing presence throughout the years. The Consort honored EMN by opening this anniversary season on October 7th with a specially designed program entitled “Time Stands Still: Reflections of Elizabethan England.” By coincidence, this season also marks the 20th anniversary of this Chicago ensemble.

This evening’s concert marks the official celebration of EMN’s 20th Anniversary, close to the founding date of November 19, (1986). With the collaboration of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and the American Guild of Organists – Milwaukee Chapter, we are pleased to present a concert of festival music as it might have been heard in the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice in the early 17th century. We hope you will also take the opportunity to view the display of art created by local artists depicting our season theme – “It’s About Time!” – and perhaps place a bid in the silent auction on those original works. And be sure to join use for a celebratory champagne toast following the concert!

No other holiday program quite compares with “The Christmas Story,” presented by The Waverly Consort. This perennial favorite recounts the events of the first Christmas, with all the spirit and pageantry of medieval church dramas and mystery plays. Presented by EMN at three venues, patrons may choose from The Wisconsin Union Theater (Madison) on Friday, December 8 at 8:00, The Basilica of St. Josaphat (Milwaukee) on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30, or First United Methodist Church (Evanston) on Sunday, December 10 at 3:00. The Madison performance is presented in cooperation with the Wisconsin Union Theater and The Madison Early Music Festival.

Noted for their special balancing of period authenticity, musical precision, and pure fun, The Baltimore Consort will present “Cupid’s Cabinet: Amorous Chansons and Dances for Valentine’s Day” at All Saints’ Episcopal Cathedral (Milwaukee) on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 5:00 pm.

Another rising star in the early music world, Tempesta di Mare, will present “Vivaldi da Camera” at the UWM Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts (Milwaukee) on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 5:00, preceded by EMN’s annual Silent Auction and Chocolate Reception beginning at 3:00. Recorder virtuosa Gwyn Roberts and lutenist Richard Stone will be joined by three additional members of The Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Players in a celebration of the Vivaldi’s remarkable vitality and variety.

This season of celebration will close with performances of another audience favorite, the six male voices of Lionheart, in “El Siglo de Oro” (The Century of Gold), featuring music of 16th century Spain, with Morales’ “Missa Ave Maria” as its centerpiece. Choose from two opportunities: the Chapel of St. Joseph Center (Milwaukee) on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 7:30, or Luther Memorial Church (Madison) on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 3:00. The Madison concert is presented in collaboration with The Madison Early Music Festival.

We welcome you to this gala celebration of our 20th Anniversary. We are grateful for the part you have played in bringing us to this landmark occasion, and we look forward to having you with us often in the coming year, and in future years! Come, celebrate with us!