Tesserae Baroque Ensemble

Tesserae returns to the Sierra Madre Playhouse to present an intimate evening of music from the late 16th-century Ferrarese court. Expanding on Ian Pritchard’s program Ferrara 1590 from last season, this program will feature music that was likely performed for the Duke’s musica secreta—exclusive and intimate private concerts held at the court. The most famous performers at the musica secreta were the concerto delle donne, established in Ferrara and quickly imitated at other courts in northern Italy. Known historically for being one of the first professional female ensembles in Europe, the donne were also known for their extraordinary virtuosity and musicianship. In Ferrrara, they were occasionally joined by the Neapolitan knight Giulio Cesare Brancaccio, known for his powerful bass voice in addition to his incredibly eccentric personality. Featuring sopranos Anna Schubert and Addy Sterrett, baritone John Buffett, and harpsichordist Ian Pritchard.