Two renowned early music ensembles join forces to perform songs from the 16th century, a unique glimpse into the past with music that accompanied celebrations of the Renaissance era. MSU College of Music kicks off the 2023-2024 Taylor Johnston Early Music Series. Now in its eighth year, the annual series presents three separate concerts of historically informed music that are unique to mid-Michigan venues.

Cappella Pratensis and the Sollazzo Ensemble are the featured groups for this first concert in the series on Tuesday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre of the MSU Auditorium. The concert title
“The Feast of the Swan” paints a historic musical scene of the southern Dutch city of Den Bosch with a festive setting of an annual banquet serving swan, a rare delicacy. The music program for the event is derived from archival descriptions and historical records, depicting dance, entertainment, and food of the annual celebration. [Click here for event details and tickets]

The blended portrayal of music will combine rich vocals with instrumentals that are highly tuned to the 16th century. Cappella Pratensis, a choral ensemble of more than a dozen singers regularly performs at international festivals and venues in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Germany, and the United States. They are joined by the Sollazzo Ensemble, a mix of singers and instrumentalists who are well known for their highly expressive delivery of late Medieval and early Renaissance era music.

Other upcoming Early Music Series events at Fairchild Theatre include:

• “Bach and Before,” Ars Musica Chicago ensemble explores the innovative and influential era
  of J.S Bach, Friday, November 3rd, 8:00 p.m.
• “Virtuosa,” Infusion Baroque, an ensemble of four women celebrate the music of women composers and performers of the 17th and 18th century. Tuesday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.

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 (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.

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Press materials

View or download the press release (PDF)
Contact Michael Sundermann, 517-353-2043, sunderm7@msu.edu 

Cappella Pratensis and the Sollazzo Ensemble will share the Fairchild Theatre stage for a unique choral and instrumental presentation of celebratory music of the Renaissance era.