PASSION & POETRY

Experience some of the most imaginative and heartfelt instrumental and vocal music from long lost voices of the past.

This program features wild, passionate, and reflective music by composers who were virtuosos in their time, expanding the possibilities of the instruments and voice. The 17th Century stream of consciousness instrumental music known as “stile moderno” is coupled with the dreamy harmonic wanderings of fantastic composers you’ve probably never heard, including Stradella, Matteis, Uccellini, Schmelzer, Jacchini, Weiss, and Merula.

COmpass REsonance ensemble’s Keith Barnhart brings his 10-string guitar and is joined by harpsichordist Chris Holman, cellist Joseph Howe, and Music Director/violinist Zachary Carrettin. Soprano Mara Riley returns to The Dairy’s stage from Boston, performing stunning works by Tarquinio Merula, including an Olympian feat of vocal virtuosity followed by a transcendental meditation that is probably like nothing you’ve ever heard before!

The ensemble varies the texture, from the most intimate guitar and voice duo, to the rhythmically rocking full group, showcasing the soloistic and the intricately interwoven. 

Watch and hear soprano Mara Riley and lutenist Keith Barnhart here: https://youtu.be/WYHG1QjSscg?si=ui0R4aDaX3Y4XO0K