Boston Early Music Festival: 26/27 Season Brochure

“Gorgeous to look at and… fascinating to hear.”

—THE BOSTON GLOBE

WELCOME TO OUR 26/27 SEASON

The world’s most captivating Early Music artists and ensembles are here to entertain YOU! Join us for 9 dynamic programs exploring centuries of breathtaking music. From thrilling débuts, beloved superstars, and a riotous new production from our GRAMMY-winning BEMF Chamber Opera Series, you won’t want to miss a note!

Our popular Thanksgiving weekend tradition continues as the BEMF Chamber Opera Series presents PYRAMUS & THISBE a hilarious mock-opera from 18th-century London with words by Shakespeare and music by John Frederick Lampe, composer of The Dragon of Wantley. BEMF presents one performance in Troy, New York, and two performances in Boston.

We are excited to greet you in Boston and Cambridge for 9 programs—8 of which will be available for virtual viewing for our fans around the world. There are substantial discounts when you order a subscription package of 3 or more programs, so be sure to order today and enjoy the very best seats in the house!

KATHLEEN FAY PAUL O’DETTE STEPHEN STUBBS

Executive Director

Artistic Co-Director

Artistic Co-Director

ORDER TODAY! BEMF. ORG

FRI, OCTOBER 16, 2026 at 7:30PM

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY: St. Paul Church, Cambridge October 30 to November 13, 2026

STILE ANTICO

POLYPHONIC POSTCARDS:

Music from Europe’s greatest Renaissance cities

The flourishing cities of Renaissance Europe played host to an explosion of cultural activity. Papal Rome dripped luxury, Paris was renowned as a center of learning, and port cities such as Lisbon and Seville were deluged with treasure from newly discovered corners of the globe. With wealthy patrons and vibrant communities, these cities were fertile ground for musicians. One of the world’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles, Stile Antico, leads a tour across these great cities, featuring music by Monteverdi, Palestrina, Tallis, Guerrero, Lassus, and many others. Working without a conductor, its twelve members have thrilled audiences on four continents with their fresh, vibrant, and moving performances of Renaissance polyphony. Join them for this fascinating snapshot of music, politics, and culture at the apogee of the European Renaissance.

“An ensemble of breathtaking freshness, vitality and balance.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

SAT, NOVEMBER 7, 2026 at 7:30PM

NEC's Jordan Hall, Boston

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY:

November 21 to December 5, 2026

LES ARTS FLORISSANTS

WILLIAM CHRISTIE & PAUL AGNEW, Co-Directors

THE MAGIC OF MONTEVERDI | For the first time since the 40th anniversary of Les Arts Florissants in 2019, Baroque masters William Christie and Paul Agnew reunite to direct a revelatory program of Monteverdi’s finest madrigals for mixed voices. Explore the madrigal in a variety of styles from the purest polyphonic settings to pieces rich in dissonances through more elaborate works evoking dance. The program culminates in a performance of the iconic Il Combattimento (The Combat of Tancred and Clorinda), an inventive showcase of Monteverdi’s dramatic genius. The legendary William Christie returns to Boston to lead the continuo from the harpsichord, and Paul Agnew will lead and sing in the vocal ensemble, joining rising stars from the next generation of Baroque singers.

“Astonishingly beautiful... wonderful sensuousness of tone and rhythmic precision.”

—THE GUARDIAN

ORDER

FRI, NOVEMBER 27, 2026 at 7:30PM

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, NY | TROYMUSICHALL.org

SAT, NOVEMBER 28, 2026 at 8PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 29, 2026 at 3PM

New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, Boston, MA | BEMF.org

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY: December 12 to December 27, 2026

617-661-1812

AARON SHEEHAN as

Pyramus

NOLA RICHARDSON as

Thisbe

JOHN TAYLOR WARD as Lion

BRIAN GIEBLER as Moon

“Our play is The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe.”

—a M id S u MM er N ight ' S d rea M

The GRAMMY-winning BEMF CHAMBER OPERA SERIES returns to 18th-century London and John Frederick Lampe’s hilarious follow-up to The Dragon of Wantley. Audiences were flocking to new Shakespeare adaptations, and if you can’t beat them, join them!

With “words taken from Shakespeare” and his play-within-a-play from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lampe’s Pyramus & Thisbe expands the emotional range of the original to include heart-rending lyricism between the episodes of typically English silliness. Falling in love through a crack in a wall, illfated Pyramus and Thisbe plan a moonlit rendezvous in the shade of a mulberry tree, before a ferocious lion gets in the way and a tragedy of misunderstandings ensues.

Period-inspired staging, lavish costumes, and gorgeous Baroque dance bring this satirical romp to life with an all-star cast of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists in this new production led by Musical Directors STEPHEN STUBBS and PAUL O’DETTE, Stage Director and Choreographer MARIE-NATHALIE LACOURSIÈRE, and Concertmaster

ROBERT MEALY.

JASON McSTOOTS as Wall

PAUL O’DETTE & STEPHEN STUBBS

Musical Directors

MARIE-NATHALIE LACOURSIÈRE

Stage Director & Choreographer

ROBERT MEALY, Concertmaster

ANNA KJELLSDOTTER, Costume Designer

KATHLEEN FAY, Executive Producer

BEMF CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Robert Mealy & Cynthia Roberts, violin

Sarah Darling, viola

Phoebe Carrai, violoncello

Nathaniel Chase, double bass

Kathryn Montoya & Gaia Saetermoe-Howard, oboe & recorder

Dominic Teresi, bassoon

John Thiessen & Brandon Bergeron, trumpet

Todd Williams & Nathanael Udell, horn

Michelle Humphreys, percussion

Paul O’Dette, theorbo

Stephen Stubbs, theorbo & Baroque guitar

Maxine Eilander, Baroque harp

David Morris, viola da gamba

Michael Sponseller, harpsichord

BEMF DANCE COMPANY

PRE-OPERA TALKS: Join us one hour before each performance in Boston for an engaging talk featuring celebrated author and musicologist ELLEN T. HARRIS

Julian Donahue, Caitlin Klinger & Tshedzom Tingkhye

CALEB MAYO, Guest Actor

ORDER TODAY! BEMF. ORG

FRI, DECEMBER 4, 2026 at 7:30PM

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY:

St. Paul Church, Cambridge December 11 to December 27, 2026

the TALLIS SCHOLARS

PETER PHILLIPS, Director

HAIL MARY: Works of Praetorius, Josquin, Tallis, Lassus, Schütz, and others

Over five decades of performances of unparalleled purity and clarity, Peter Phillips and The Tallis Scholars have established sacred vocal music of the Renaissance as one of the great repertoires of Western classical music. Returning to BEMF for their 38th consecutive season, these legendary singers present a celebration of the Christmas season with a program of music written to honor the Virgin Mary by the finest composers of the Renaissance. Enjoy beloved settings of the Ave Maria and Salve Regina alongside a newly comissioned setting of Gaude gloriosa by Matthew Martin. The program opens and concludes with festal settings of the Magnificat, Mary’s universal message of hope, by Michael Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz.

“Flawless and marvelously transparent singing.”

SUN, DECEMBER 13, 2026 at 4PM VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY: First Church in Cambridge, Congregational December 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027

ENSEMBLE CORRESPONDANCES

SÉBASTIEN DAUCÉ, Director

CHARPENTIER: Messe de minuit pour Noël, H.9 | Experience the expressive brilliance of Marc-Antoine Charpentier with his Midnight Mass for Christmas Eve. This beloved masterpiece is an invitation to immerse oneself in a musical world where liturgical and popular traditions come together in magnificent harmony. Based on traditional French carols, the Mass possesses both an accessible candor and a profound depth of emotion. Sébastien Daucé and Ensemble Correspondances specialize in the French Baroque repertoire, producing uniquely intimate and passionate interpretations that have mesmerized audiences across the world.

Caroline Weynants, Amélie Raison & Caroline Dangin-Bardot, soprano; Lucile Richardot & Marie Pouchelon, alto; Richard Pittsinger & Randol Rodriguez, tenor; Etienne Bazola & Lysandre Châlon, bass; Simon Pierre & Béatrice Linon, violin; Lucile Perret, flute; Johanne Maître, oboe; Mathilde Vialle & Julie Dessaint, viola da gamba; François Gallon, double bass; Thibaut Roussel, theorbo; Sébastien Daucé, organ & harpsichord

“Intelligently conceived, expertly performed.” —CLASSICS TODAY

FRI, FEBRUARY 19, 2027 at 7:30PM

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY: First Church in Cambridge, Congregational March 6 to March 20, 2027

RUCKUS

EARTH AND HEAVEN: Music of Bach, Biber, and Buxtehude | Don't miss the BEMF début of Ruckus, a Baroque band with a fresh, visceral approach to Early Music. The ensemble aims to fuse the Early Music movement’s creative spirit with the groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a unique sound of “rough-edged intensity” (New Yorker). Their program explores German music at the dawn of the Enlightenment, from the fierce and dark to the glittering and resplendent, and structured around the brilliant music of Biber, whose Harmonia Artificiosaariosa sonatas are miniature sonic dramas. Alongside these are Bach’s majestic organ works, made intimate in fresh arrangements for the ensemble. The program concludes with the lively and playful music of Buxtehude, full of joy, contrapuntal flow, and surprising twists.

Doug Balliett, viola da gamba & violone; Adam Cockerham, lute; Elliot Figg, harpsichord & organ; Keir GoGwilt & Manami Mizumoto, violin; Clay Zeller-Townson, reeds

“Achingly delicate one moment, punchy and incisive the next.”

—THE

NEW YORK TIMES 26 / 27 SEASON 617-661-1812

SUN, FEBRUARY 28, 2027 at 4PM

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY: First Church in Cambridge, Congregational March 14 to March 28, 2027

TRIO MEDIÆVAL

ECHOES FROM ST. HILDEGARD AND LAS HUELGAS | The crystalline voices of Trio Mediæval have captivated audiences across the globe since their founding in Oslo in 1997, earning GRAMMY nominations and worldwide renown for performances that are pristine and intensely immersive. They return to BEMF with a program of pieces for female voices by the iconic Hildegard von Bingen and anonymous composers at Santa Maria la Real de Las Huelgas, one of the most prestigious convents in medieval Spain. Heralded for their creative interpretations of medieval polyphony, the Trio takes us into more ancient territory, where the evolving solo song merges into the vibrant soundscapes of polyphony.

“There was a wild streak in their sound that should not be confused for lack of cohesion or discipline; rather, their individual voices were clear and distinctive even when singing as a unit, and out of those differences they alchemized unity.”

—THE BOSTON GLOBE

FRI, MARCH 5, 2027 at 8PM

PLEASE NOTE: This performance NEC's Jordan Hall, Boston will not be available virtually.

FAUST & BEZUIDENHOUT

ISABELLE FAUST, violin | KRISTIAN BEZUIDENHOUT, harpsichord

MUSIC BY BACH, FROBERGER, WESTHOFF, NICOLA MATTEIS THE YOUNGER, AND BIBER

In this must-hear recital for violin and keyboard lovers alike, renowned performers and international superstars Isabelle Faust and Kristian Bezuidenhout illuminate the Baroque sonata as it comes vividly into focus. As they move between Bach and the composers who shaped his world, Faust’s “clarity, gutsy depth, and technical brilliance” (San Francisco Classical Voice) reveals the violin’s growing expressive power, and Bezuidenhout, a Boston favorite and frequent BEMF guest artist, demonstrates the harpsichord’s evolution from accompaniment to conversational partner. Expect breathtaking virtuosity from both artists and the thrill of hearing ideas connect across generations.

“Bezuidenhout’s playing was hypnotic.”

—BACHTRACK

PRESENTED BY VIVO PERFORMING ARTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BOSTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL

SUN, APRIL 25, 2027 at 4PM

VIRTUAL AVAILABILITY: First Church in Cambridge, Congregational May 9 to May 23, 2027

the ROYAL WIND MUSIC

LAMENTATION AND CELEBRATION: A Musical Journey Through Melodic Transformation and Innovation | Playing entirely from memory and without a conductor, the engaging musicians of The Royal Wind Music have earned praise for their ability to communicate with an international audience. Past guests of our biennial Festivals, they make their first appearance on BEMF’s annual concert series with a program spotlighting a world of Renaissance music where the vibrant exchange of melodies spanned courts and churches across Europe. Secular chansons and madrigals found new life in sacred music, transforming familiar works into striking new creations. One of the most beloved examples of this practice is Josquin des Prez’s Mille regretz, a poignant chanson that captured the heart of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and inspired its own reinventions by other great composers. With works by Palestrina, Josquin, Cabezón, De Rore, and Lassus, this performance promises an unforgettable journey from simple melodies to intricate polyphonic masterpieces in an experience that will inspire and captivate.

“Cohesive, pure, and shimmering: if a flute heaven exists, this is what it sounds like.”

—TROUW

“An

—THE BOSTON GLOBE

Save the dates for North America’s foremost celebration of Early Music, offering a week full of lively and engaging performances by the world’s most acclaimed artists and ensembles!

n Enjoy fully staged Baroque opera with the North American premiere of Telemann’s Emma und Eginhard.

n Experience an evening of delightful Chamber Opera with a revival of BEMF’s production of Lampe’s The Dragon of Wantley.

n Explore an astonishing selection of 18 Festival Concerts spanning centuries of music from the world’s finest artists and ensembles.

n With 8 days of opera, concerts, keyboard and organ recitals, workshops and symposia, Fringe Concerts, and the world-famous Exhibition, this is a truly unique musical event not to be missed!

TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS FALL!

JUNE 6 - 13, 2027

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

MAKE A GIFT TODAY! BEMF. ORG

2023 | Circé

We are profoundly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of our friends and fans from around the world. Your support is invaluable as we continue our mission of bringing you thrilling performances by today’s finest Early Music artists.

Revenue from ticket sales—even from sold-out performances—make up less than half of the total cost of producing our operas and concerts. The remainder is derived almost entirely from devoted patrons like you.

Please consider supporting the Boston Early Music Festival with a contribution accompanying your ticket purchase. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Subscribe to 3 or more programs—in person or virtual—and enjoy exclusive benefits and savings!

FULL SEASON SUBSCRIPTION

DON’T MISS A NOTE AND SAVE 15% with our most comprehensive subscription package!

SAMPLER SUBSCRIPTION

SAVE 10% ON THE MUSIC YOU LOVE! Select 3 or more programs and tailor your season to your tastes, schedule, and budget with this flexible subscription package.

VIRTUAL TICKETS

8 programs in our 26/27 SEASON will be available to watch virtually. Our Virtual Concerts are recorded and edited by an acclaimed production team including cinematographer Kathy Wittman of Ball Square Films and GRAMMY-winning recording engineer Antonio Oliart Ros. Videos can be viewed on our secure online platform for a period of at least two weeks and will premiere about one to two weeks after the in-person performance. Where available, Virtual Tickets will be included FREE with in-person tickets or can be purchased on their own.

ORDER TODAY!

Subscribe to the Boston Early Music Festival and enjoy the music YOU love with exclusive savings. All subscribers enjoy FREE, flexible ticket exchanges for all in-person tickets.

n SEATING CHARTS

DRESS CIRCLE n A n B n C n D n

NEC’S JORDAN HALL

30 Gainsborough Street, Boston, MA

FIRST CHURCH IN CAMBRIDGE, CONGREGATIONAL

11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA

ALL IN-PERSON TICKET BUYERS RECEIVE:

• COMPLIMENTARY VIRTUAL TICKETS for in-person ticket purchases, where available.

• FREE TICKET REPLACEMENT: If you lose your tickets, just contact the Box Office and we will replace them at no charge.

• SPECIAL DISCOUNTS: Seniors, students, and groups of 10 or more can save $5 off regular ticket prices. These discounts cannot be combined with a subscription.

With the purchase of a single VIRTUAL TICKET, you and your household can watch the performance as many times as you would like during the availability period and on multiple devices, but only on one device at time. Virtual Premieres will be about one to two weeks following the in-person performance. Premiere dates and availability periods are listed in this brochure and at BEMF.org.

In lieu of Pre-Concert Talks at the venue, we will present online PRE-CONCERT VIDEOS with informative discussions featuring scholars and artists the week before each program—FREE to watch on YouTube or at BEMF.org.

All sales are final. Non-subscription tickets cannot be exchanged. Programs are subject to change.

ST. PAUL CHURCH

Bow & Arrow Streets, Cambridge, MA

Please note: many D Level seats have a partially obstructed view of the stage.

Dress Circle seats will be A Level seats for performances without Dress Circle seating.

When available, Virtual Tickets will be included FREE with all in-person tickets or can be purchased on their own.

n FULL SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS

| Save 15% on all programs!

When available, Virtual Tickets are included FREE with in-person subscriptions or can be purchased on their own. DRESS + A l A l

___@$892 ___@$803 ___@$535 ___@$420 ___@$267 ___@$170

Dress/A/B/C/D: Select your Pyramus & Thisbe performance: Sat, 11/28 Sun, 11/29

*Please note, the Faust & Bezuidenhout program will not be available virtually.

n SAMPLER SUBSCRIPTIONS

| Save 10% on 3 or more programs!

You may purchase differently priced tickets to different concerts, as well as different quantities of tickets, as long as you select at least 3 different programs. When available, Virtual Tickets are included FREE with in-person tickets or can be purchased on their own.

26/27 SEASON

BEMF .org | 617-661-1812

OCTOBER 16, 2026

STILE ANTICO

NOVEMBER 7, 2026

LES ARTS FLORISSANTS

NOVEMBER 28 & 29, 2026

BEMF CHAMBER

OPERA SERIES

DECEMBER 4, 2026

THE TALLIS SCHOLARS

DECEMBER 13, 2026

ENSEMBLE

CORRESPONDANCES

FEBRUARY 19, 2027

RUCKUS

FEBRUARY 28, 2027

TRIO MEDIÆVAL

MARCH 5, 2027

FAUST & BEZUIDENHOUT

APRIL 25, 2027

THE ROYAL WIND MUSIC

Boston Early Music Festival

43 Thorndike Street, Suite 302 Cambridge, MA 02141-1764

617-661-1812 | BEMF.org

“This is something SPECIAL.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

U.S. Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit Number 51975