The Wanderer at Shadyside Presbyterian Church

Chatham Baroque Presents Sequentia in The Wanderer October 25

Medieval music and storytelling bring journeys of exile, pilgrimage, and fate to Shadyside Presbyterian Church

PITTSBURGH, PA – Chatham Baroque presents internationally acclaimed medieval music ensemble Sequentia in The Wanderer on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, 5121 Westminster Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

Drawing on Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon elegies of loss, The Wanderer explores the experience of leaving home, facing an uncertain journey, and carrying memories of what has been left behind. Musical narratives are interwoven with instrumental works rooted in early melodic traditions, bringing listeners into a world of perilous travel, memory, and longing.

Performed by Benjamin Bagby and Norbert Rodenkirchen, the program connects medieval storytelling with questions that remain familiar today: how people endure separation, confront fate, and search for belonging. The performance is part of Chatham Baroque’s 2026–2027 season and continues its Renaissance & Baroque Legacy Concert tradition of presenting distinguished visiting artists.

Founded in 1977 by Bagby and the late Barbara Thornton, Sequentia is among the world’s most respected ensembles for medieval music. Its international touring and recording career spans nearly five decades, with more than 30 recordings encompassing music from throughout the Middle Ages, including the complete works of Hildegard von Bingen. Originally based in Cologne, Germany, the ensemble has made its home in Paris since 2001.

Bagby, a vocalist, harper, and medievalist, has devoted his career to researching and performing medieval music and oral poetry. His acclaimed solo performance of Beowulf has been heard worldwide. In 2017, he received the Artist of the Year Award from REMA, the European Early Music Network. He has also taught medieval music performance in Europe and North America, including at the Sorbonne and Folkwang University of the Arts.

Rodenkirchen, a flutist and composer, has been a member of Sequentia since 1996. His work includes international festival performances, music for theater and film, and workshops on medieval instrumental improvisation. He also performs regularly with the French ensemble Dialogos.

Tickets are $45 for general admission, $35 for seniors, and $20 for students. Purchase tickets at events.leapevents.com/event/the-wanderer-.

About Chatham Baroque

Chatham Baroque is one of the country’s leading period instrument ensembles and early music presenters. Its Pittsburgh concert series features historically informed performances by artistic directors Andrew Fouts (violin), Patricia Halverson (viola da gamba), and Scott Pauley (theorbo and baroque guitar), alongside renowned touring artists specializing in music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical periods. Performances use restored or replica instruments from the eras in which the music was written. Learn more at www.chathambaroque.org.