Violist

One of Handel's most experimental and unusual operas, Orlando explores the age-old theme of how love makes us miserable. The warrior Orlando loves Angelica, who doesn’t return his love, leading him into madness in some of Handel’s most stunning music. This production is presented by the SFCM Historical Performance program, and features students from both the Voice program and Baroque Ensemble.

EPSG:4326

Historical Performance Presents: Orlando by Handel

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

William Lawes and John Jenkins both had the unusual experience of working for the court of Charles I, a man with great wealth and power who loved the viol and its music. However, Lawes died at the age of 42 at the Battle of Chester during the Civil War, whereas Jenkins lived on even after the king was executed, survived that ill-fated experiment in a sort of democracy (the “Commonwealth”) as a resident musician in the house of a wealthy Catholic, and was then pointlessly employed by the court again after the restoration of the monarchy, by a king who had no interest in viol music.

The Consort Music Wars: Jenkins v. Lawes

Saint Mary Magdalen Church

This concert features all of William Lawes’ extraordinary music for six viols, played by the Barefoot All-Stars!
Lawes was the most innovative of the post-Elizabethan composers. The “Setts” for six viols are a cornerstone of the repertoire, combining complex counterpoint with daring harmonic invention and an idiosyncratic melodic sense.
The Barefoot All-Stars have been bringing viol consort music to the Bay Area for nearly a decade. Formed as an occasional ad hoc group of viol players for the popular Barefoot Chamber Concerts series, the All-Stars have become a local institution.

Farley Pearce

Violist

Events

Past events

Apr 12, 2025

Historical Performance Presents: Orlando by Handel · San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Jan 5, 2024

The Consort Music Wars: Jenkins v. Lawes · Barefoot Chamber Concerts

Future and recently performed repertoire

Bass in Orlando by Handel

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

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