Chatham Baroque to Present THE VIRTUOSO RECORDER in November

On Nov. 18-20, 2022, Chatham Baroque will present The Virtuoso Recorder, a program of sparkling concertos and sonatas for recorder and strings from Baroque Italy, featuring Chatham Baroque and virtuoso recorder player Judith Linsenberg.


For the past 31 years, Chatham Baroque has performed on stages around the world, establishing itself as one of the nation's most distinguished period ensembles. This program is the second in a series of eight live, in-person concerts that feature Chatham Baroque's own ensemble, often with distinguished guest artists, as well as visiting national and international touring artists and ensembles.



The Virtuoso Recorder features two concerti for recorder, strings and basso continuo: Giuseppe Sammartini's spirited concerto in F Major for soprano recorder and strings and Antonio Vivaldi's delightful Il Gardellino, Opus 10 No. 3, for sixth flute and strings. Rounding out the program are works by Alessandro Scarlatti and Giovanni Legrenzi, as well as Antonio Vivaldi's brilliant La Folia.

The recorder originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, it appears in treatises on the art of making music and instrument inventories ranging from the royal (Henry VIII's collection included 76 recorders) to the common (the Stuttgart Town Band had 299). In the 17th century, the recorder was favored by English composer Henry Purcell, and in the 18th century, it reached its heyday, appearing in works by Handel, Telemann and J.S. Bach. Today, the recorder is celebrated in recorder societies around the globe. A first instrument for many elementary school students, it also continues to feature in contemporary musical compositions.

Linsenberg is one of the leading exponents of the recorder in the United States. Hailed for her "virtuosity," "expressivity," "fearless playing" and "masterly control with risk-taking spontaneity," she has performed extensively throughout the US and Europe, including solo appearances at the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center. She has played with leading American ensembles, won national performance awards, and premiered several pieces for the recorder.

In The Virtuoso Recorder, she will play alongside Chatham Baroque artistic directors Andrew Fouts (violin), Patricia Halverson (viola da gamba) and Scott Pauley (theorbo), along with fellow guests Paul Miller (viola), Justin Wallace (harpsichord) and Cynthia Keiko Black (violin).

*presented in partnership with The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka. A guided tour of the murals will be held at 6:30pm.

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