Houston Early Music to Feature Harpsichordist Richard Egarr 2/3

Houston Early Music continues its 2011-2012 season with a performance by British harpsichordist and conductor Richard Egarr on Friday, Feb. 3. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin in Houston, TX 77004. Egarr will also offer a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.

For the program, entitled The Harpsichord’s Golden Century, Egarr will present a fresh look at works of 17th century composers Louis Couperin and Johann Jakob Froberger, who were known to be great friends and colleagues.

“The two geniuses inspired each other to create some of the most wonderful creations for the harpsichord,” Egarr said.

He will also examine the work of John Blow and Henry Purcell, which, he said, “add a bit of English quirkiness to the mix.”

Egarr said he is particularly inspired by 17th century composers, because he believes the greatest music for harpsichord was written during this time.

“This is the century of real musical barrier breaking and exploration, as well as the time of the harpsichord’s greatest importance,” he said. “I am a proud music addict and love to communicate my passion and enthusiasm for music to everyone I come into contact with.”

Egarr currently serves as music director of the Academy of Ancient Music, is increasingly sought after as a conductor by non-period chamber and symphony orchestras and performs with period ensembles such as the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston, Tafelmusik and Portland Baroque.

Egarr began his musical training as a choir boy at York Minster, at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, and as organ scholar at Clare College Cambridge. His studies with Gustav and Marie Leonhardt further inspired his work in the field of historical performance.

Exploring history through music is a Houston Early Music hallmark. The group follows music from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, providing unique programming and world-class concerts performed with historical instruments and styles true to the period.

Tickets
Mini-Pass subscriptions include any three concerts for $100 general admission and $85 for seniors. Individual tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 for seniors, and $10 for students with ID. Free admission is available for children under 15.

Subscriptions and individual tickets are available online and can also be purchased by mail. To purchase tickets, visit www.HoustonEarlyMusic.org or call 713-432-1744.

SUMMARY:

Friday, February 3, 2012
RICHARD EGARR, Harpsichord
The Harpsichord’s Golden Century
First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7:30 p.m.
5200 Fannin, Houston, TX 77004
Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
Richard Egarr

NEXT CONCERTS:

Friday, March 2, 2012
LA MORRA
Tears of a Lion: A Secret Concert for Pope Leo X
Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 7:30 p.m.
6221 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
La Morra ensemble members

Friday, May 4, 2012
TRIO SETTECENTO
The Scottish Play – Scottish music of the Baroque era
Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 7:30 p.m.
6221 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.
John Mark Rozendaal

ABOUT HOUSTON EARLY MUSIC
Houston Early Music presents the world’s finest period ensembles and soloists who bring to life music from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the Baroque and Classical periods.

One of the country’s leading early-music organizations, it is the city’s only presenting organization dedicated to covering early music in all of its forms. Houston Early Music epitomizes a movement that has swept the world of classical music. Incorporated in 1969, the nonprofit provides performance opportunities for both emerging and major early music artists from around the world in an annual concert series.

A successful and growing educational outreach program introduces a future generation to a broad range of music. Houston Early Music is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.HoustonEarlyMusic.org.