Giulio Caccini, born in 1551, most likely in Rome, channelled heightened emotions into his solo songs. He understood the artistic and commercial value of The New Music, as he titled his 1602 collection of monodies, as did the other composers in La Venexiana’s concert. The Italian vocal ensemble, founded almost 30 years ago, comes to this repertoire with a near-supernatural understanding of its imagery and expressive language.

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La Venexiana

Wigmore Hall

Parisian lute virtuoso Thomas Dunford, often hailed as "The Eric Clapton of the lute" by BBC Magazine, brings centuries-old music to life with a modern pulse. Dunford's illustrious career has seen him share the stage with musical legends such as Bobby McFerrin and Anne-Sophie von Otter, and perform at prestigious venues including La Comédie Française, Carnegie Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2018, he founded the acclaimed Jupiter Ensemble, which quickly gained recognition with their debut dedicated to Vivaldi.

In this performance, part of the University of Chicago's Early Music Series, Dunford will present a program that spans the rich tapestry of early music. The repertoire includes masterpieces by John Dowland, such as "A Dream" and "Lachrimae," and selections from J.S. Bach's Suite for Cello in G Major, BWV 1007. The concert will also feature Marin Marais' "Les voix humaines" and "L’americaine," as well as well-known melodies by Erik Satie, including "Gymnopédie 1" and "Gnossienne." Additionally, works by Girolamo Kapsberger and Joan Ambrosio Dalza will be performed, showcasing the diverse and intricate beauty of the lute's repertoire.

Dunford's ability to make historical music resonate with contemporary audiences promises an evening of profound musical exploration and exquisite artistry.

Thomas Dunford, lute

Logan Center

A tireless researcher into early music, he interprets and performs the repertory both as a gambist and a conductor. This program, featuring his acclaimed ensemble Hespèrion XXI, captures the inventiveness of the early Baroque era, including works by Frescobaldi, Kapsberger, de’ Cavalieri, Falconiero and more. As the critic Allan Kozinn wrote in The New York Times, Savall’s vast concert and recording career can be described as “not simply a matter of revival, but of imaginative reanimation.”

Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI

Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

The Royall Consort of King Charles I was at the cutting edge of 17th century music, and today it lives again with Academy of Ancient Music.

Giovanni Girolamo Kapsperger

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 22, 2027

The Royall Consort · Barbican Centre

Past events

Jun 29, 2026

La Venexiana · Wigmore Hall

Mar 28, 2025

Thomas Dunford, lute · UChicago Presents

About

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