"Handel's Journey: From Germany to England via Italy"

"Join us o­n a life journey with 18th century traveler and musical titan George Frideric Handel. From Hamburg, we’ll follow his earliest journey to Lübeck to visit Buxtehude, then his move to Italy for an extended residence where he met the Italian composers who greatly influenced his musical future. After returning to Germany, we’ll share the wanderlust and ambition which ultimately led him to London, where he spent well over half his life. His compositional styles reflect all of his travels, and our musical itinerary will traverse Handel’s immense compositional world of operas, oratorios, concerti grossi, sonatas, English odes and royal ceremonial music. Artistic Directors: Cheryl Bensman Rowe and Paul Rowe, Program Director: Chelcy Bowles, Artistic Advisor: Robert Wiemken.

Guest Artists-in-Residence:

* Newberry Consort
* Marion Verbruggen
* Quicksilver
* Baroque Band
* Tempesta di Mare   "

Visit website for more information: The Madison Early Music Festival

" LONDON (AFP) - A previously unknown portrait of Mozart has been found, and could be the most important portrait of the renowned composer ever to come to light, a British academic said Friday.The discovery -- which could be worth several million dollars -- was owned by the family of Johann Lorenz Hagenauer, a close friend of the Mozart family in Salzburg."This is arguably the most important Mozart portrait to be discovered since the composer's death in 1791 and o­nly the fourth known authentic portrait of him from his Vienna years," said Professor Cliff Eisen. "

See this Yahoo! news link and also  King's College (London) news link for more info.

"The Amherst Early Music Festival at New London combines our acclaimed workshop program with the beautiful Connecticut College campus, situated o­n a hillside overlooking the Long Island Sound. We offer two week-long programs of classes in Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music and dance at all levels. Join us for either week or both. The Workshop Program is our largest, open to all, no audition required. We also offer small, week-long Intensive Programs for accomplished amateurs, pre-professionals and professional performers. "

Visit the Amherst Early Music Festival 2008 site for more information as well as a glimpse of the extensive list of faculty for this year's workshop.

Naxos continues adding to its fine collection of "Baroque Harpsichord " collection with the addition of Girolamo Frescobaldi and Dieterich Buxtehude recordings.

Follow the link to view or even stream some of the music from their site. (ed.)   Naxos The Art of The Baroque Harpsichord

"The opera this year will be Alessandro Scarlatti's Tigrane (1715). This was his most popular work during his lifetime and it is a treasure trove delightful melodies. A masterpiece of Opera Seria, this work is packed with tuneful arias, interesting instrumental numbers, and even some elements of Opera Buffa. You'll hear dance numbers "borrowed" from o­ne of Campra's operas, Neapolitan songs sung by the hired help, and even a rare lute aria.

We very happy to announce that the Concord Ensemble will be returning to BLoomington to perform at BLEMF. They were able to find time in their extremely busy professional schedules to come and perform their choral magic. This is o­ne concert you will want to go to. " See website for more information: BLEMF

At www.skowroneck.de, I have made available new English version of my article o­n harpsichord voicing, which has previously appeared in Swedish and Dutch (1995 and 1998). Since then, I have collected more information about voicing (both with delrin and quill) and I have seen many more instruments by various makers and in various states that in o­ne or another way confirmed my ideas or helped to refine them. So while this text is, in structure, not unlike the original o­ne, it speaks, let us say, louder. This article is available in six postings o­n the main page www.skowroneck.de or as a pdf at http://skowroneck.wordpress.com/2008/03/08/voicing-complete-pdf/

The article was originally intended as an encouragement for using bird’s quills in harpsichords. However, the commonly used delrin is a very good alternative for quill, if it is used well. Even the reader who is not considering quill will find useful information about delrin.

Tilman Skowroneck

98.7 WFMT Chicago's Impromptu Radio program presents Phillip Serna discussing "Viols in Our Schools" & performance by the Chicago Early Music Consort.

Phillip Serna will appear on 98.7 WFMT’s Impromptu Tuesday, May 13, 2008 directly following the 4PM newscast. It will be recorded live in WFMT’s Levin Performance Studio. In addition to performances by the Chicago Early Music Consort, Phillip Serna will be promoting the ‘Viols in Our Schools’ program as well as discussing upcoming performances. Listen to 98.7 WFMT on the Internet! Check out WFMT's free web streaming at http://www.wfmt.com.

For more information on ‘Viols in Our Schools’ visit: http://www.violsinourschools.org.

Summer School of Early Music focuses o­n the interpretation of music from older periods, mainly Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Music.

The workshop takes place every July in beautiful South Bohemian town Prachatice (130 km south from Prague, 200 km north-west of Vienna). In 2008 we will be there for the 10th time, until 1998 the course took place in Bechyně.

The programme of the course includes individual lessons, group teaching of techniques, ensemble playing, listening workshops, lectures, and concerts of lecturers and participants.

Every year we have about 15 classes led by leading Czech and world players and teachers.

Summer School of Early Music is organized by Sdružení pro českou hudbu a umění.

Classes and lecturers of the Summer School of Early Music 2008:

6th – 13th July 2008

Peter Holtslag Recorder, Baroque flute
Carin van Heerden Recorder, Baroque oboe
Alan Davis Recorder
Julie Braná Recorder, Baroque flute
Monika Devátá Recorder
Children's Class
Jan Kvapil Recorder
Pedagogical class
Edita Keglerová Harpsichord
Class for piano accompanists (not o­nly)

13th – 20th July 2008

Florilegium:
Ashley Solomon Recorder, Baroque flute
Rodolfo Richter Baroque violin
James Johnstone Harpsichord
Jennifer Morsches Baroque violoncello
Reiko Ichise Viola da gamba

---

Kerstin de Witt Recorder
Jostein Gundersen Recorder
Rebecca Stewart Early singing
Mami Irisawa Early singing
Jan Rokyta Recorder
Liselotte Rokyta Panpipes
Evangelina Mascardi Lute

See website for more information:

Summer School of Early Music

RSS Newsfeed has arrived at http://www.EarlyMusicNews.org .

To activate your newsfeed, click o­n the newsfeed icon next to your browser's URL window and choose your setting for the feed. You will then be able to see any news additions to the site in your "Bookmarks" or "Favourites" toolbar without even visiting the site. If you find a particular item of interest, choose that item and you will be taken to the http://www.EarlyMusicNews.org site to read that particular article. (ed.)

"A Unique Experience . . .

For over twenty-eight years SFEMS has offered o­ne of the most comprehensive summer early music programs in the United States, led by a faculty of international artists in residence. The program offers instrumental and vocal master classes, lectures, coached ensembles, and recitals that provide an opportunity for musicians and dancers at a variety of levels to improve their ensemble skills, performance techniques, and teaching abilities.

Full days of classes, coaching, and rehearsals are followed by optional evening events, including faculty concerts and lecture-demonstrations, plus more light-hearted activities, from Morris and Renaissance dancing to croquet or poetry readings.

The Baroque and Medieval/Renaissance workshops are held at Sonoma State University, an hour north of San Francisco. Surrounded by hills and vineyards, Sonoma State offers several performance halls, a small theater, large classrooms, and new, single-room dorms. Nearby are wineries and historic towns in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Bodega Bay, and the Russian River.

The Recorder Workshop is held at St. Albert’s Priory, a peaceful ivy-covered brick oasis o­ne block from an upscale boutique-and-restaurant district in Oakland, California. All the single dorm rooms overlook a serene courtyard garden. The beautiful chapel that houses performances and orchestra rehearsals has wonderful acoustics. St. Albert’s is two blocks from the Rockridge BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station, putting the entire San Francisco Bay Area and its many attractions within reach by public transit.

For young people between the ages of seven and fifteen, SFEMS offers the fourteenth annual Music Discovery Workshop, located at the Crowden School in Berkeley.

Financial aid, based o­n need, is available from SFEMS in the form of tuition scholarships or work/study arrangements. College credit is also available from Sonoma State University (two semester units of academic credit per week, or three continuing education units). "

See workshop links for more details and o­nline registration. SFEMS 2008 Summer Early Music and Dance Workshop

Accademia d'Amore: Workshop and Performance of Opera Scenes from the 17th century
August 21-31, 2008
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington

Faculty:

Musical coaching:
Stephen Stubbs, musical director
Nancy Zylstra, vocal coach
Maxine Eilander, harps and continuo
Jillon Stoppels Dupree, harpsichord and continuo
George Shangrow, stage accompanist and musical coach
Margriet Tindemans, viola da gamba

Stage directors:
Roger Hyams
Anna Mansbridge
Theodore Deacon

This workshop offers advanced singers and continuo players (keyboards, harps, lutes, bowed bass) the opportunity to work on all the musical and dramatic aspects of the 17th-century opera repertoire with a faculty of specialists. Founded by Seattle native Stephen Stubbs eight years ago in Bremen, Germany, Accademia d’Amore has an established track record for training musicians in the subtle art of 17th-century vocal performance and instrumental accompaniment. Its attendees have gone on to successful careers in baroque opera in Europe, the US, and Canada. Stubbs relocated his successful workshop to Seattle in 2005. 2006 will see the second season of this workshop as well as the opening of an ongoing graduate program for singers and continuo players called the Seattle Academy of Baroque Opera.

Schedule:
The workshop will begin with a 3-day intensive course in the stylistic elements of music and movement in the baroque theatre, as well as a specialized course for continuo playing in baroque opera. This will be followed by a week of musical and scenic rehearsals in preparation for a staged performance of all the scenes worked on during the week.

In the middle of the workshop, there will be an informal student concert with music of the students’ choice. This is a very important part of the week where students have an opportunity to show other sides of their musicianship.

Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA.
See website for more information: Accademia d'Amore Workshop

In 2008 the Baroque Flute & Continuo Player Boot Camp (BF&CPBC) takes place from July 27 to August 2. The BF&CPBC is open to baroque flute players of all levels, and intermediate-to-advanced viola da gamba, baroque cello, and lute/baroque guitar players looking to improve their technique and continuo playing skills. We are very supportive and encouraging to those new to the baroque flute. For the advanced players of all instruments, we offer a stimulating and challenging environment (we throw down the gauntlet and challenge you to pick it up).

The BF&CPBC offers predominantly flute and continuo instruction and technique by day, with smaller group classes, large and small ensemble playing, and technical clinics by night. Participants also have time to meet in smaller groups o­n their own to work o­n various types of ensembles, with and without coaching. Enrollment is limited to 16 flute players, 8 bowed-string players, and 4 lute/guitar players.

Our faculty this year--
Kim Pineda (Director), Janet See, and Ingrid Crozman, flute
David Morris, cello and viola da gamba
Ronnee Fullerton, viola da gamba
Elizabeth Brown, lute and baroque guitar

The BF&CPBC gives you the chance to work hard under close supervision. What to expect at the Boot Camp:

• Your instructors will push you out of your comfort zone to improve your playing technique.
• Expand your knowledge of baroque style and interpretation.
• Integrate this by playing in small groups, large groups, and in the class recital.
• Learn how to lead, accompany, play together, and learn the difference.
• Gain confidence in a non-competitive environment.
• Group classes in Alexander Technique as it relates to playing your instrument
• Applied music theory (it comes in handy!)
• Have fun in the process.

All you need is a positive attitude and a baroque flute or continuo instrument that plays at a=415 Hz.

See website for more information:
Baroque Flute & Continuo Player Boot Camp

"Please join us for the 2008 Summer Toot, with our featured faculty Alison Melville and Frances Blaker (recorder) Mary Springfels (viols) and Dan Stillman (louds)! In conjunction with the Toot, there will be several concerts open to the public. Our world-class faculty this year includes:

• Recorder:
  Alison Melville
  Frances Blaker
  Jennifer Carpenter

• Viols and other bowed strings:
  Mary Springfels
  Susan Scheib

• Reeds and brass:
  Daniel Stillman

• Harp & lute:
  Bruce Brogdon
  Therese Honey

• Voice:
  Daniel Johnson

Our classes include an array of small, o­ne-on-a-part Renaissance and Baroque ensembles and larger mixed vocal and instrumental groups. The size of the workshop enables us to create classes for all levels of students, from those of modest skills to advanced players and singers.This year's Summer Texas Toot is held at Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas. "

Visit the Toot website for more information. (ed.)

"Focusing o­n the works of J. S. Bach and his sons

We weren't sure we'd do it so soon, but last summer's workshop was such a resounding success we couldn't resist. So o­nce again, players, owners, builders, enthusiasts and aficionados of early keyboard instruments will gather in the beautiful seaside village of Stonington, CT for three-and-a-half days of immersion in the wondrous world of the harpsichord and clavichord -- and this time, we're including the fortepiano! Musically, we're focusing o­n Bach and his sons.

We've changed the format somewhat from last year. The first full day (June 14, 2008) will be composed of introductory sessions in building and playing. The next two days will mostly follow two tracks, allowing participants to concentrate more o­n either the "hardware" (building and maintenance) of the instruments, or the "software" (performance and performance practice) of the music. We've worked hard to devise sessions that will interest everyone, but o­ne thing we haven't changed: Zack will supply the meals, including two dinners in his restaurant across the street from the shop! ... "

"Focusing o­n Music, History (European History) and English (Music of Shakespeare’s time) classes. A pilot program for the Viola da Gamba Society of America and the Spirit of Gambo, a Chicago Consort of Viols, ‘Viols in Our Schools’ focuses o­n bringing early strings to the classroom setting. With the viola da gamba/ viol’s connection to the evolution of the guitar (via the lute), it is an ideal instrument to introduce earlier repertoire to guitar classes, while it’s frequent use in the madrigal repertoire and use as a continuo instrument makes the viol an ideal for demonstrating to choral classes as well as to music theory and history classes. In addition to music programs, ‘Viols in Our Schools’ demonstrates early European music to European history classes, as well as English/ Literature classes focusing o­n Elizabethan/ Shakespearen England. You can visit 'Viols in Our Schools' at http://www.violsinourschools.org . "

"NORTH MEETS SOUTH:

BUXTEHUDE AND THE NORTH GERMAN SCHOOL/KEYBOARD MUSIC OF DOMENICO SCARLATTIA

SYMPOSIUM IN RECOGNITION OF TWO SIGNIFICANT RECENT ANNIVERSARIES



Midwestern Historical Keyboard Society 2008 Annual Meeting

May 21-24, 2008

The University of IowaSchool of Music

Iowa City, Iowa

USA



ALSO



THE BEN BECHTEL AWARD



To honor his long tenure of distinguished service to the Midwestern Historical Keyboard Society, the Board of Directors in 2007 created the Ben Bechtel Award. This award will be presented annually to a promising student with an interest in early keyboard instruments. The award will underwrite the cost of attendance at the next MHKS annual conference, with the goal of fostering interest in early keyboard instruments and the Society among younger people.



Anyone under the age of 30 who is currently learning to play, build, or otherwise expresses interest in any early keyboard instrument (organ, harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano, etc.) is eligible to be nominated for the Ben Bechtel award. A statement describing the student's interest and aspirations and a letter of recommendation from a teacher will comprise a nomination for the award. Nominations should be sent to David Breitman, 382 Elm St., Oberlin, OH, 44074, USA, or by e-mail to david.breitman@oberlin.edu by March 1st of each year, to be considered for attendance at that year's annual meeting. Winner will be announced by April 1st.



The committee that oversees the Ben Bechtel Award appreciates your generous financial support. A line o­n this registration form allows you to make a contribution as you register for the conference. Thank you! " ... See MHKS website for more information. (ed.)

"International Harpsichord Festival and Meeting in Hungary
Budapest-Szentendre-Fehérvárcsurgó-Győr
18-22 June 2008

Concerts, master courses, workshops, lectures, presenters of old and new instruments, performance opportunities for young harpsichordists, etc.

Organizers: Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, Hungarian National Museum, Clavicembalo Foundation, Joseph Károlyi Foundation, Tihamér Vujicsics Music School Szentendre

Patron: Dr. András Batta, Rector of the Ferenc Liszt Academy of MusicArtistic director: Prof. Anikó Horváth "

See "International Harpsichord Festival and Meeting in Hungary" website for more details (ed.)

"Open to UK-based ensembles of two to four members: the instruments must include a harpsichord. The Competition consists of two rounds using o­ne of the 18th century English harpsichords in the Benton Fletcher Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments. The winning group will be awarded an £800 cash prize, and a concert at Fenton House, the Cobbe Collection and Finchcocks. A separate Audience Prize will also be awarded. Jury: David Owen Norris, Maggie Cole and Steven Devine. See information brochure/application form obtainable from Competition Organiser. Application form must be completed and submitted by 29 February 2008. Contact: Competition Organiser Mimi Waitzman for more information. " See the site for more information o­n the competition (ed.): Fenton House Keyboard Competition

The results of this year's Musica Antiqua Festival Competition have been posted.

The jury for the International Harpsichord Competition were:Gustav Leonhardt [nl], Françoise Lengellé [fr], Andrea Marcon [it], Ketil Haugsand [nor], Johan Huys [be] (chairman), Davitt Moroney [uk/fr]. Winners of the harpsichord competition: (no 1st prize was awarded); 2nd Prize Ex Aequo -- Francesco Corti (IT) & Julien Wolfs (BE); 3rd Prize -- Tomoko Matsuoka (JP); 4th Prize -- Susan Toman (CA); 5th Prize -- Masumi Yamamoto (JP).

The jury for the International Fortepiano Competition were: Wolfgang Brunner [at], Claire Chevallier [be], Linda Nicholson [uk], Alexei Lubimov [ru], Ludger Rémy [de] (chairman), Bart van Oort [nl]. Winners of the fortepiano competition: (no 1st prize was awarded); 2nd Prize -- Stefania Neonato (IT); 3rd Prize Ex Aequo -- Alexandra Koreneva (RU) & Olga Andryushchenko (RU); Honorable mention -- Katarzyna Drogosz (PL).

See the site for more information o­n the competition as well as the Festival exhibitions. (ed.): Music Antiqua

The 2007 Greenwich International Early Music Festival and Exhibition takes place over the weekend of the 9th -11th November 2007. A lively mix of exhibition and performance, the event will fill the Old Royal Naval College with sounds of early music and song.

Friday 9th November 10.30am - 6.00pm
Saturday 10th November 10.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday 11th November 10.00am - 5.00pm

Admission to exhibition (includes complete programme):
Adults £7.50
Concessions £5.00
2 day ticket £12.00
3 day ticket £16.00
Children under 14 free
(concessions OAPs, UB40 holders, students, TCM staff and students free entry with TCM Resource Card)

"Neil Crutchley Writes:

The Festival is over for another year and there is the same feeling of regret that comes with the end of Christmas or the school holidays. But all good things must come to an end and it is now time to take stock of what has been a remarkably successful series of events and one in which the Festival Director and his team can take justifiable pride.

As predicted the Son et Lumière (sound and light) production met with universal approval and large audiences on two consecutive evenings were transfixed by this striking and unusual form of entertainment. It was the first time something like this has been tried in St. Mary’s and the effect was stunning. The first 600 years of the church’s eventful history were told in a dramatic recitation with appropriate music from St. Mary’s choir, whilst various parts of this ancient church – including the magnificent windows – were lit in different colours."

"16 July 2007

Le Jardin Secret was announced as the winner of the 12th Early Music Network Young Artists Competition o­n Saturday 14th July 2007 by Ashley Solomon, Chairman of the Competition Judges.

Le Jardin Secret – comprising soprano Elisabeth Dobbin; Romina Lischka viola da gamba, Sofie Vanden Eynde theorbo and David Bluden harpsichord - perform a wide range of seventeenth and eighteenth-century repertoire, exploring the possibilities of creative continuo playing and improvisation. Taking its name from the French metaphor for the heart, it performs music that is intimate and highly expressive. The members of the group were postgraduates at conservatories in Basel and The Hague and have worked with some of the most prestigious names in early music today.

The Competition, which takes place at the National Centre for Early Music in York, attracted young artists from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Europe, South America, Norway and of course from the UK. The winners received a cheque for £1,000 plus an invitation to return to the York Early Music Festival in 2008 and a variety of recording opportunities. ... "

See site for more details: National Centre for Early Music

"Welcome to the International Music Score Library Project! IMSLP attempts to create a virtual library containing all public domain musical scores, as well as scores from composers who are willing to share their music with the world without charge. You can read the full list of goals that IMSLP will try to achieve.

IMSLP also encourages the exchange of musical ideas, both in the form of musical works, and in the analysis of existing o­nes. Therefore, feel free to create/edit a page with your analysis of a particular piece (please use the "Discussion" link o­n the work page of that particular piece)." ... "

The ultimate goal of the IMSLP is to gather all public domain music scores, in addition to the music scores of all contemporary composers who wish to release them to the public free of charge. However, another main goal of IMSLP is to facilitate the exchange of musical ideas outside of compositions: for example, the analysis of a particular piece of music. We hope to build a growing community of dedicated musicians and music lovers, who can use this site as a platform for enjoying music. " ... See site for more info:http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page

An invitation to all to visit http://www.fima-online.org where you can find information about the Early Music Course and Festival held in Urbino, Italy 19th-28th July. The Festival is sponsored by FIMA (Italian Foundation for Early Music).

"The Western Early Keyboard Association (WEKA) is planning a very exciting day of early keyboard activities in Seattle, Washington, on Saturday, June 2nd! We hope you can join us for the wonderful organ, harpsichord and fortepiano events that day! Pertinent information is below. Even if you can't attend the day's events, your membership in WEKA would support a wonderful new organization and would enable you to receive our newsletter and information on upcoming events.

In the morning the WEKA conference will take place at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle’s Capitol Hill District. In the afternoon we will travel to Seattle’s Queen Anne District. The day’s activities (including brunch, lunch and hors d'oeuvres) are free to WEKA members. WEKA dues are $35 for a regular membership, $25 for a senior over 65 and $15 for a student. Nonmembers may participate in the day’s activities for $25. There will be an additional charge of $15 for students participating in a master class. " ...