#United States #Washington #Folger Consort #Christmas music #Spain and Portugal

Celebrate the Holidays with Folger Consort's Annual Concert Series

The Folger Consort, an acclaimed early music ensemble, is set to delight music lovers this holiday season with its annual concert series titled 'Resplendent Joy: Christmas Traditions from Spain and Portugal.' From December 5 to December 14, audiences will be transported into the festive spirit of early modern Spain and Portugal, experiencing beautifully arranged Spanish Christmas carols from the 16th and 17th centuries paired with lively traditional holiday music.

Hosted in the elegant Elizabethan-styled Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library, this series promises an intimate yet grand musical journey. Folger Consort's repertoire, carefully curated by co-Artistic Directors Christopher Kendall and Robert Eisenstein, assures that attendees will encounter enriching soundscapes brought to life by the stunning vocal and instrumental talents of the ensemble.

A Rich Cultural Experience

The concerts will showcase a plethora of multi-voiced choral compositions steeped in rich histories and vibrant melodies, including works by Vicente Lusitano, the first published Black composer in European music. His sacred texts bring an additional layer of depth to the performance, revealing the complexities and nuances of Christmas traditions from the Iberian Peninsula.

Aside from Lusitano's compositions, the concert series will feature lively villançicos, which are traditional early Spanish Christmas carols. These lively tunes, filled with joy and celebration, are expected to resonate with audiences, inviting them to revel in the festive atmosphere.

The concert will also include engaging instrumental pieces featuring the vihuela, a 15th-century Spanish stringed instrument, alongside the organ and percussion. The diversity of instruments allows for a rich auditory experience that underscores the historical significance and emotional weight of the holiday music being performed.

A Cast of Talents

Joining the ensemble are six guest vocalists, including sopranos Crossley Hawn and Susan Lewis Kavinski, along with tenors Oliver Mercer and John Logan Wood and baritone Corbin Phillips. Their collective talent is complemented by talented instrumentalists, which include viols, recorders, and the organ under the direction of Eisenstein, showcasing a blend of voices and instruments in various combinations.

An exciting pre-show conversation featuring guest artists will take place on December 6, offering attendees exclusive insights into the music and the creative process behind the concert series. Additionally, on December 3, a virtual seminar will led by Eisenstein, serve as a sneak peek for those eager to delve deeper into the concert experience.

Tickets and Availability

Tickets for the concerts can be purchased online through the Folger website, with prices ranging from $20 to $65. Discounts are available for members, seniors, and groups, along with a special Family Four-Pack offer designed for families with children under 18, enhancing accessibility and encouraging community participation in the arts.

The holiday concert is a highlight of the Folger Frost Fair, a month-long winter festival at the library which offers a variety of holiday programming, festive decorations, and numerous free activities geared toward both the young and the young at heart. Visitors can enjoy additional events, including the Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute, themed afternoon tea, crafting events, and a delightful holiday sing-along, all designed to bring a sense of wonder and festivity to the community.

Conclusion

In light of the incredible lineup and the rich historical context of the music, Folger Consort’s 'Resplendent Joy' promises to be a memorable celebration of holiday traditions. As audiences come together to engage with these resonant pieces from Spain and Portugal, this concert series not only highlights the beauty of early music but also fosters a spirit of joy and connection during the holiday season. For more information, visit folger.edu.