Welcome to the second season of Pegasus Early Music, Rochester's early music concert series. Our first season, 2005-2006, was a resounding success. Rochester audiences responded to the enthusiasm and talents of our performers, the ambiance of our venue, and the beauty and variety of our music. In fact, we had to add a performance to accommodate our overflow audience!
In our second year, we are already expanding our scope, while remaining true to our mission of performing early chamber music as it was originally intended, for small audiences in intimate surroundings. This year, you will have a choice of three dates for each performance on the series. In addition to our series, we are very proud to be co-sponsoring, with the Music Department of Nazareth College, a rare solo recital appearance by virtuoso lutenist Paul O’Dette.
Our series will again be held in the Rochester Academy of Medicine, a gracious mansion on East Avenue in the city. There will be pre-concert lectures, receptions to meet the musicians, masterclasses for music students, and special collaborative events. Our O’Dette special event will be held in the beautiful Linehan Chapel in the Golisano Education Center at Nazareth College; recently renovated as a concert space, its superb acoustics make it an ideal setting for lute music.
We begin our second series with music for the soulful baroque oboe. Geoffrey Burgess will perform, with gambist Christel Thielmann, baroque works from around Europe and contemporary pieces from the far reaches of Australia. A truly unusual mix! We continue with renaissance lute songs in combination with love poetry from the 16th to the 21st centuries, performed by local favorite Colleen Liggett, and former Rochesterian poet Kath Anderson. The contrasts and connections, sometimes startling, sometimes lyrical, are sure to delight and move you. Our third concert brings back to Rochester soprano Laura Heimes, whose fabulous Pegasus concert last season sold out, and baroque violinist Dana Maiben. Unusual Italian baroque music for voice, violin, harpsichord, theorbo, and baroque guitar: full of spontaneity, packed with emotion and virtuosity, lots of fun!
Paul O'Dette needs no introduction to early music audiences. A world-renowned performer with over 120 recordings, he has explored the entire repertoire of lute music as a soloist and an ensemble member and director. He has a lovely rapport with an audience, astonishing virtuosity, and innate musicality.
Pegasus Early Music is excited to be embarking on our second season, creating and sharing music in our community. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends in our audience. It is, once again, our goal to thrill you, to inspire you, to connect with you through the music we love the most.
Deborah Fox, director
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(c) copyright 2006 Pegasus Early Music.