“Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted,
and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer.” –E.M. Forster
and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer.” –E.M. Forster
Connection is one of our most cherished values. We connect with each other as we plan our seasons. We work to create tighter bonds between our singers and our players and, of course, with those who come to enjoy our music-making. Many times in the wake of our concerts, we are able to have lovely interactions with some of you, and this kind of personal connection with our community is at the core of what we do.
For our ninth thematic season, we decided early on that we would explore and prioritize connection. What are the conditions in which it can flourish? How can we—each of us, and all of us together—develop and encourage real connection, right here in our beloved Sonoma County, even in the face of societal trends that seem to push us apart?
Each of our concert sets will be tied to a cause or need in our community. These will include efforts to support The Living Room in its work to empower women and ease adversity; Petaluma Bounty as it works to create a thriving local food system; and The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation as it aims to foster resilient, vibrant local ecosystems and neighborhoods. See the individual concert pages in this brochure for more information about these initiatives. And of course, and as always, we fervently hope to connect with you through the music we make! Each of our seven concert sets offers a tempting slice of the rich world of early music, cooked up with love and joy for your delight.
We begin, as usual, in the magnificent Church of St. Seraphim, with the Green Mountain Consort telling in music many of the stories from the Book of Genesis. Circa 1600 follows up with a program in Schroeder Hall based upon the Song of Songs, one of the most brilliant and beloved love stories of all time, whether read literally or figuratively. And, as we have done for so many years, we close out the calendar year with our Early Music Christmas, this time titled ‘On Yoolis Night’, and featuring the Sonoma Bach Choir and members of the Live Oak Baroque Orchestra in a concert brimming with the glorious music of Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707).
For our annual January Organ Recital, we once again welcome the inimitable Anne Laver to the Schroeder organ loft. Anne will join with our Wild Rose Treble Ensemble to present ‘Reflections of Light’, a fascinating program exploring the events in the Christmas story that follow New Year’s Day, including exquisite music for Epiphany (January 6) and Candlemas (February 2). In March, the Consort returns to St. Seraphim to sing ‘Apocalypse A Cappella’, a concert based entirely on the hair-raising events recounted in the Book of Revelation.
In our ‘Spring Returns’ program, we welcome back everyone’s favorite season—when, according to tradition, new loves are discovered and enjoyed—with a lively set of Renaissance madrigals (Monteverdi, anyone?) and other springtime music extending forward even into the 19th-century. And for our annual season finale, we offer ‘Where Two or More are Gathered’, a magnificent collection of works by the standard-bearers of the High Baroque: Bach and Handel. The Live Oak Baroque Orchestra and Anne Laver—twice in one season!—will join in the fun.
We’re ready and eager to begin this season of music-making! And we’re ready to connect with you and others throughout our community— here, there, and everywhere. Don’t be shy! Join us early and often for ‘Only Connect’.
Robert Worth, artistic director
Amanda McFadden, music director
Dianna Morgan, executive director
For our ninth thematic season, we decided early on that we would explore and prioritize connection. What are the conditions in which it can flourish? How can we—each of us, and all of us together—develop and encourage real connection, right here in our beloved Sonoma County, even in the face of societal trends that seem to push us apart?
Each of our concert sets will be tied to a cause or need in our community. These will include efforts to support The Living Room in its work to empower women and ease adversity; Petaluma Bounty as it works to create a thriving local food system; and The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation as it aims to foster resilient, vibrant local ecosystems and neighborhoods. See the individual concert pages in this brochure for more information about these initiatives. And of course, and as always, we fervently hope to connect with you through the music we make! Each of our seven concert sets offers a tempting slice of the rich world of early music, cooked up with love and joy for your delight.
We begin, as usual, in the magnificent Church of St. Seraphim, with the Green Mountain Consort telling in music many of the stories from the Book of Genesis. Circa 1600 follows up with a program in Schroeder Hall based upon the Song of Songs, one of the most brilliant and beloved love stories of all time, whether read literally or figuratively. And, as we have done for so many years, we close out the calendar year with our Early Music Christmas, this time titled ‘On Yoolis Night’, and featuring the Sonoma Bach Choir and members of the Live Oak Baroque Orchestra in a concert brimming with the glorious music of Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707).
For our annual January Organ Recital, we once again welcome the inimitable Anne Laver to the Schroeder organ loft. Anne will join with our Wild Rose Treble Ensemble to present ‘Reflections of Light’, a fascinating program exploring the events in the Christmas story that follow New Year’s Day, including exquisite music for Epiphany (January 6) and Candlemas (February 2). In March, the Consort returns to St. Seraphim to sing ‘Apocalypse A Cappella’, a concert based entirely on the hair-raising events recounted in the Book of Revelation.
In our ‘Spring Returns’ program, we welcome back everyone’s favorite season—when, according to tradition, new loves are discovered and enjoyed—with a lively set of Renaissance madrigals (Monteverdi, anyone?) and other springtime music extending forward even into the 19th-century. And for our annual season finale, we offer ‘Where Two or More are Gathered’, a magnificent collection of works by the standard-bearers of the High Baroque: Bach and Handel. The Live Oak Baroque Orchestra and Anne Laver—twice in one season!—will join in the fun.
We’re ready and eager to begin this season of music-making! And we’re ready to connect with you and others throughout our community— here, there, and everywhere. Don’t be shy! Join us early and often for ‘Only Connect’.
Robert Worth, artistic director
Amanda McFadden, music director
Dianna Morgan, executive director