If music could transform concert halls into time machines, audiences at Early Music Now concerts would be sent on a trip to medieval times.
For 16 years Early Music Now has been dedicated to bringing pre-1800 music to the Milwaukee area. Concerts typically feature music of the medieval and renaissance periods.
"Our mission is to enrich and expand the musical offerings in southeast Wisconsin by presenting historically-informed productions and educational experiences with music from before 1800," says Thallis Hoyt Drake, founder of Early Music Now.
{INSERT_RELATED}"Even though it was written so many years ago," Drake adds, "this is new music to most people because they've never heard it before."
Early Music Now brings touring musicians from around the world to the Milwaukee area to hold concerts here. On Sat., March 16 a concert at Schwan Hall on the Wisconsin Lutheran College campus will feature a recorder quartet from Holland.
"We have an amazing network of stunning performers," Drake says.
Not only is the music from an earlier time period, but the instruments musicians use are reproductions of medieval and renaissance instruments. The instruments, including the recorder, lute, renaissance harp, oboe and bassoon, typically are copied from original instruments housed in museums and archives, Drake says.
The venues in which Early Music Now concerts are held -- St. Josephat's Basilica, All Saints Cathedral, Temple Shalom and Schwan Hall -- usually have some historical significance, according to Drake, who says, "It's part of the overall educational experience we are trying to promote."
Early Music Now usually hosts four to five concerts a year. The plan for next year is to present six concerts, Drake says.
"We have a very devoted, hard core audience," Drake said. "It really is amazing."
Tickets can be purchased by calling Early Music Now, (414) 225-3113. Subscriptions and memberships in the Guild of Early Music are available.
