And there was light: By the end of the 16th century at the latest, affect had become an indispensable component of music. Stylus luxurians – "luminous style" – is what music theorist and composer Christoph Bernhard calls this creative device, which was also prevalent in the Baroque period and is characterized by theatricality and intense emotional expression. The Ensemble Astrum researches, experiments, and creates. In their program "And there was light ," the trio of artists led by award-winning Salzburg recorder player Felix Gutschi and Dutch soprano Noëlle Drost dedicate themselves to the stylus luxurians and take the audience on an emotionally profound journey through the Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical periods.

Museum Concert: Ensemble Astrum And there was

Mozart Residence

Discover the captivating journey of the trumpet in "The Royal Trumpeter: Kris’ Podium," a highlight of the Portland Baroque Orchestra's 2024-25 season. Curated by Principal Trumpet Kris Kwapis, this program explores the trumpet's transformation from a battlefield instrument to a symbol of expressive virtuosity. Set against the vibrant backdrop of late seventeenth-century London, the performance showcases the trumpet's prominence in England's regal courts, accompanied by strings, winds, and voices. The evening features the works of renowned composers such as Henry Purcell, William Croft, and John Eccles, whose compositions reflect the grandeur and sophistication of an era marked by royal patronage. Highlights include Purcell's Act II Symphony from "The Indian Queen," Croft's Overture from "Ode for the Peace of Utrecht," and Eccles' Suite Made for the Queen’s Coronation. Additionally, the program includes Gottfried Finger's Sonata for trumpet, violin, and continuo, further illustrating the instrument's versatility and elegance. This event promises a rich auditory experience, celebrating the trumpet's historical and musical significance.

EPSG:4326

The Royal Trumpeter: Kris’ Podium

Reed College

Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational UCC

Join the musicians of Le Consort on a musical journey into the enchanting subtleties of the English Baroque as influenced by Italian Masterworks. Let yourself be seduced by English charm with a glimpse of Italian virtuosity, including some of Vivaldi and Corelli’s biggest hits! This concert will delight and surprise with plenty of familiar music alongside some genuine discoveries.

Le Consort

The Rosen House at Caramoor

Treat yourself to a fabulous and intimate baroque performance by Le Consort, the Paris-based preeminent ensemble. Le Consort is co-directed by violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte who is recognized globally as one of the foremost baroque violinists, the virtuosic harpsichordist Justin Taylor, and Baroque violinist Sophie de Bardonnèche; and joined by cellist Hanna Salzenstein. These four accomplished musicians, all under the age of 30, approach the chamber baroque repertoire with fervent dedication, genuine sincerity, and a touch of modernity. Their collective mission is to unite compelling musical personalities in the pursuit of chamber music from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Seventh-day Adventist Church

Formed in Paris in 2015, Le Consort is dedicated to Baroque music and the genre of the trio sonata. The ensemble focuses on interpreting music with enthusiasm, sincerity, and modernity. Made up of two violins, a cello, a harpsichord, and featuring rising Baroque star Théotime Langlois de Swarte, Le Consort is considered “one of the major players on the French baroque scene” (Diapason).

Beall Concert Hall

MAP Double Bass Recital

The Juilliard School

MAP Viola Recital

This leading baroque ensemble of four young musicians from Paris brings a delightful program showing the immense expressive range and creativity of Bach, Vivaldi, Corelli, Purcell, Rameau, and others. You will also hear two magnificent settings of “Follia” — the era’s most recognizable melody, and one which still resonates today.

Logan Center

Praised for “ravishing, exhilarating, and uniquely beautiful” (BBC Music Magazine) performances, the French ensemble Le Consort likens itself to an early-music version of a string quartet—a close-knit group of four young musicians celebrated for bringing fresh vitality to Baroque chamber repertoire. Co-directed by harpsichordist Justin Taylor and rising star violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte, Le Consort claimed both first prize and the audience prize at the 2017 Loire Valley International Early Music Competition, chaired by William Christie. Langlois de Swarte has entered the limelight as an exciting new voice on Baroque violin, captivating audiences with his seemingly effortless blend of control and abandon. The program is a whirlwind tour through Italy, England, Germany, and France, featuring two magnificent settings of La Follia—arguably the period’s most recognizable and enduring melody.

First Congregational Church

Richard Wang, Cello

Journey back to the 18th century as we travel from the London of Henry Purcell to the Rome of Arcangelo Corelli and indulge in the glamorous spirit of the era’s music. Our guides—young virtuoso baroque violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and harpsichordist Justin Taylor, colleagues in famed ensemble Le Consort—will treat us to forgotten gems they have unearthed from old libraries, transcriptions of the most popular opera arias from the period, and masterpieces that continue to resonate to this day. In the spirit of musical performances of the time, you will sit onstage alongside the duo as they spin the magic that has garnered international critical acclaim—including the prestigious Diapason d’Or in 2019.

Théotime Langlois de Swarte, Violin Justin Taylor, Harpsichord

Alexander Hall

Join us for an enchanting afternoon with Le Consort on Sunday, October 13th, at 3:30 pm, hosted at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, located at 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91106. This remarkable ensemble, celebrated for their ravishing, exhilarating, and uniquely beautiful performances, will take you on a musical journey from Naples to London, featuring works by illustrious composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Arcangelo Corelli, and Antonio Vivaldi, among others.

Founded in 2017 and quickly rising to acclaim by winning both First Prize and the Audience Prize at the Loire Valley International Early Music Competition, Le Consort specializes in illuminating the compelling musical personalities of the 17th and 18th centuries. Their mission is to showcase the rich dialogue between two violins and the basso continuo, revealing a wealth of contrasts in vocality, sensuality, and virtuosity. Through their performances, they bring the quintessence of the Baroque to life with a personal, dynamic, and colorful language.

The program promises a captivating exploration of Baroque music, with pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Arcangelo Corelli, John Eccles, Nicola Matteis, Mrs. Philharmonica, Henry Purcell, Francesco Maria Veracini, and Antonio Vivaldi. This event is a must-attend for lovers of early music and those looking to experience the depth and beauty of chamber music from the Baroque period.

Tickets are available for order now. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the artistry of Le Consort in the beautiful setting of Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium. Join us for an afternoon of exquisite music that promises to be both enlightening and inspiring.

California Institute of Technology

Violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and lutenist Thomas Dunford fathom the depths of musical melancholy and scale the heights of virtuosity, exploring the rich musical landscape of 17th-century England, a time when the brilliance and exuberance of the Italian style was making its mark on English composition.

Mad Lover

Smith Square Hall

A violin, a lute, and the dazzling alchemy of two kindred spirits delving into the somber waters of 17th - century English melancholy . The Mad Lover is an inconsolable lover, a tutelary figure around whom the violinists of Charles II's court gravitated, following in the footsteps of the flamboyant Nicola Matteis. Arriving from Italy with his radiant virtuosity and free-flowing style, Matteis revolutionized England, and his captivating melodies still resonate in popular music today. This sensitive and moving program is performed by two virtuoso musicians, among the most talented of the new baroque music scene: violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and lutenist Thomas Dunford.

Le Corum

London, late 17th century . Purcell reigns over English music, surrounded by his contemporaries Blow, Eccles, Croft, composers of a golden age too quickly forgotten.

John Eccles

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 28, 2026

Mad Lover · Sinfonia Smith Square

Jan 7, 2027

Mad Lover · Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier

Apr 21, 2027

The Consort: Begin the Song · Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier

Past events

Dec 16, 2025

Museum Concert: Ensemble Astrum And there was · Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum

16 - 17 Nov, 2024

The Royal Trumpeter: Kris’ Podium · Portland Baroque Orchestra

About

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