Early Music at Saint James

2018-2019 Season

Early Music at Saint James presents concerts of music composed before 1800 in our acoustically rich sanctuary. The performances of primarily Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical music are informed by historical performance practice and played on faithful reproductions of period instruments. The series offers a venue for small and/or emerging ensembles, and presents a rich repertory of music that is generally not available to the Lancaster community.

Tickets at the door only

Adults: $20
Students & Children: $5
Pay by cash, check or credit card

Download the 2018-2019 season brochure

Early Music is a self sustaining concert series that relies on ticket sales, tax-exempt gifts, grants and sponsorships. If you’d like to help support Early Music, click here and select Early Music from the drop-down menu. You may also include a note in the optional memo field.

“…of the demand for this group, there can be little doubt…. energetic… youthful, vigorous performance style… The New York Times

Thursday, October 18, 7:30 PM

The Sebastians

Venetian Romance, Roman Vigor

The musical journey through the development of the trio sonata genre begins with sonatas and dances by Venetian composers, Dario Castello and Tarquinio Merula. After exploring trio sonatas by Roman composers including Giovanni Battista Fontana and Arcangelo Corelli, the program returns to Venice with the grand finale: Antonio Vivaldi’s La Folia. Visit the Sebastians’ website here.

Ronn and Paul

“The two proved a beautiful match, seamless in their exchanges and well balanced.”
The New York Times

Sunday, November 11, 4 PM

Ronn McFarlane & Paul O’Dette

For Two Lutes: Virtuoso Duets from Renaissance Italy and England

Features the two musicians “dueling” on their lutes, trading passages back and forth with increasingly dazzling feats of virtuosity. Included are pieces by John Dowland, John Johnson, John Danyel, Francesco da Milano, Alessandro Piccinini, and anonymous composers. Visit Ron’s website here.
Learn more about Paul here.

“a trailblazer for authentic performance of High Classical Chamber Music” Gramophone

Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 PM

Kristian Bezuidenhout, Fortepiano and

The Chiaroscuro String Quartet

“…the most brilliant of today’s fortepiano players.” The Times London

Performing Schubert’s String Quartet in D minor “Death & the Maiden”, Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.14 in C minor, K.457 and his Piano Concerto No.12 in A major, K.414 arranged by the composer for fortepiano & string quartet. Visit the Chiaroscuro String Quartet website. Visit Kristian’s website here.

“ The sound was glorious, watching the performers expressions and rapport a delight…an uplifting experience.” Woodstock (NY) Times

Sunday, May 5, 4 PM

Parthenia, a Consort of Viols

Season of Beauty & Love
Guest soloists include Sherezade Panthaki, soprano and Robert Mealy, baroque

Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Robert Mealy, baroque violin

Sherezade Panthaki, soprano
Robert Mealy, baroque violin

violin. French Renaissance songs and dances marked by grace, balance and a wonderful sense of lightness, featuring song settings of the poetry of Pierre de Ronsard by such composers as Claude le Jeune, Guillaume Costeley, Claude Goudimel, Eustache du Caurroy and others. Visit the Parthenia Viol Consort website.