Early Music in Columbus

The Early Interval

Described as “flabbergastingly good” (Gramophone) and celebrated for their brilliant, compelling, and spirited performances, the Jupiter Ensemble returns to Columbus.  Led by the extraordinary Thomas Dunford, their acclaimed program Amazone features mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre, who brings “life and beauty to everything she touches” (New York Times).

Jupiter Ensemble

First Community Church - North Campus


Since its foundation in 1976, The Early Interval has delighted Columbus’ audiences with imaginative programs that bring centuries of history to life. This year, the ensemble invites us to follow the “Star in the East” along with the Magi. Blending diverse cultures and traditions, this program reimagines their legendary journey with music spanning the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Europe. Audiences will once again discover why this is one of the most popular programs in our season.

First Congregational Church

British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six has captivated audiences around the world, regularly performing to sold-out halls with their stunning performances of music from the Renaissance. Four years after their glorious Columbus debut, we are delighted to welcome them back.

The Gesualdo Six

St. Joseph Cathedral

Apollo’s Fire and conductor Jeannette Sorrell return to Columbus with J.S. Bach’s towering work: St. Matthew Passion. Premiered at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig on Good Friday in 1727, this is the 300th anniversary year of this monumental work.

Apollo’s Fire

Praised for playing with “unadulterated joy and funk” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), ACRONYM excels at sharing the excitement of musical discovery with audiences today. For their debut in our series, this virtuoso ensemble invites us to a fascinating journey of 17th-century Italian music as it resonated with the Habsburg dynasty at the Imperial Court of Vienna.