An ensemble from Los Angeles will bring a lush program of virtuosic French viol music from the Baroque Era to the MSU campus in late February as the MSU College of Music wraps the 2022-2023 Taylor Johnston Early Music Series. Now in its seventh year, the annual series presents three separate concerts that highlight programs of historically-informed music. 

The Artifex Consort will step on stage on Tuesday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre for Feste Champêtre: Courtly Delicacies for Viols, Rustic and Refined, for a concert featuring Pièces a 3 Violes from Pièces de Viole Livre IV (1717) by Marin Marais. The music of Marais sparks visions of contrasting childlike play with deep pathos, dramatic pyrotechnics with poised courtly-dance sensibilities, and cunning intellect with raucous humor. [Click here for tickets]

The unique ensemble is led by artist Malachai Komanoff Bandy, with viola de gamba artists Eva Lymenstull and Eric Tinkerhess, and guest harpsichordist Joseph Gascho. The viol, also known as the viola de gamba, is a European bowed and fretted string played on the leg (da gamba) that was used at court and in the home during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

“We are so thrilled to feature these historically-informed, inspiring performances of early music by groups like the Artifex Consort,” said director of the series David Rayl, senior associate dean in the MSU College of Music. “Each year, these outstanding, world-renowned ensembles and soloists display their virtuosity, as well as the depth and beauty of Baroque music. The performances this season have been incredibly varied, and each one brings a real treat to our students and community.”

The entire series is generously sponsored by the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series Endowment established by Taylor Johnston. Dr. Johnston had been an MSU professor for 51 years and passed away in 2019. His long-time passion for music, particularly early music, led him to establish the annual series.

Reserved seating tickets for this and other performances in the series are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $7 for students with ID and anyone under 18, and can be purchased online at music.msu.edu, (music.msu.edu), by calling (517) 353-5340, or at the door. More information about the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series and other events can be found at music.msu.edu/events.