We open our 11th season with a trip in musical time to the medieval era. Renowned and very popular countertenor José Lemos returns to Rochester for a concert with medieval specialists Dongmyung Ahn and Christa Patton, and Pegasus director Deborah Fox for a program that explores French music from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

Audiences will hear a variety of unusual musical instruments, including the rebec or medieval violin, the bray harp, and the early version of the bagpipe. They will be treated to tales from the troubadours, including a soulful lament by Richard the Lionhearted; royal dances or estampies; a bird song by Machaut; a complicated and beautiful round for harp and voice; and other pieces from France.

In a pre-concert talk at 3:15 pm, the musicians will demonstrate the instruments and discuss the music. Audiences will even have a chance to sing a medieval song and learn about it in context.

Countertenor José Lemos returns to Rochester after his acclaimed concert last season in Io Vidi in Terra, virtuoso Italian 17th century music. Hailing from Brazil originally, Mr. Lemos is noted worldwide for his unique artistry in opera and concert. The Boston Globe has said, “…Lemos sang with a big, colorful, sexy tone and almost recklessly brilliant coloratura.”