Parthenia Viol Consort | June 15

Over the course of their long history, the vast and enduring House of Habsburg (1273–1916) were dedicated patrons of the arts. This fascinating program—curated by the dynamic viol consort Parthenia—explores music written during the late 15th and 16th centuries, when the dynasty was at the peak of its prestige and power, as well as later music written for the Austrian Habsburg court.

Beverly Au, Lawrence Lipnik, Rosamund Morley, Lisa Terry, viols

The viola da gamba quartet Parthenia brings early music into the present with a ravishing sound and a remarkable sense of ensemble, animating both ancient and fresh-commissioned repertoire to critical acclaim. These “local early-music stars,” hailed by The New Yorker and music critics throughout the world, are “one of the brightest lights in New York’s early-music scene.” The ensemble appears regularly in concerts across America, and produces its own series in New York City, collaborating with the world’s foremost early music specialists. Parthenia’s performances range from its popular touring program, “When Music & Sweet Poetry Agree,” a celebration of Elizabethan poetry and music with actor Paul Hecht, to the complete viol fantasies of Henry Purcell, to “Al Naharot Bavel” which features works by Jewish Renaissance composers.