The Boston Camerata will celebrate love in the Middle Ages Sunday, April 20 at 3 p.m. in Memorial Chapel with a program titled “Abbey of Love: Songs of the Troubadours and Trouvères (1200-1400)” as part of Union’s Chamber Concert Series.
Winter weather forced the ensemble to cancel its scheduled Dec. 16 performance of “A Renaissance Christmas.” All subscription and advance-ticket purchases for that event will be honored Sunday.
The program features Music Director Joel Cohen on lutes and baritone; Anne Azéma, soprano; and Jesse Lepkoff, flute and recorder. In addition to songs of the troubadours and trouvères (the Northern French form of troubadours), the concert will highlight works by the great 14th-century musician/poet Guillaume de Machaut. Excerpts from the legend of Tristan and Iseult – from the group’s 1989 recording, which received the coveted “Grand Prix du Disque” and was re-released in February – will also be included.
Founded in 1954, the Boston Camerata preserves and reawakens history through its performances of European and American music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Cohen, who has directed the group since 1968, is a leading authority in the field of medieval and Renaissance musical performance. Azéma has been a key member of the Camerata since the early 1990s; she assumes the role of artistic director in September. Lepkoff, a member of Arcadia Players, performs, records and tours regularly with the Boston Camerata.
This concert is free for the Union College community, $25 for general admission and $10 for area students. Those who purchased advance tickets and are unable to attend should contact Union’s Event Office at 388-6080 to request a refund.
For more information, call 372-3651; for ticket information, visit http://www.union.edu/ConcertSeries.