SECRET MUSIC 1580-Concerto delle Donne, Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 South Grant St., Bloomington, IN

In 1580 Duke Alfonso of Ferrara searched for the region’s finest singers. He returned with three sopranos to perform each and every day for specially invited guests within the private chambers of his wife, in what became known as secret music. For these performances court composer Luzzasco Luzzaschi wrote the most avant-garde music of their time.

Alchymy Viols, now in its third season, is joined by sopranos Margaret Carpenter Haigh (Charlotte, NC), Sarah Coffman (Cleveland) and MaryRuth Lown (Boston). Dr. Haigh adds to the performance the art of synchronized baroque gesture, an essential part to communicating the baroque texts.

Also heard will be music for the viola bastarda performed by Erica Rubis (Bloomington) and Julie Elhard (St. Paul MN).

This performance is free to the public, a gift to the Central Indiana community from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, the DeHaan Foundation and Bloomington Early Music. For more information on the project, contact Alchymy Viols director Philip Spray at [email protected], 317-430-9142.