Sat 9/23 @ 3PM
During the pandemic, Cleveland’s nimble baroque chamber ensemble Les Delices created an online series called SalonEra, which combined live and archived performances with commentary by performers and music historians, giving background on the selections.
The programs proved popular and they’re continuing. But now that the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, Les Delices is hosting is first SalonEra Live Session.
“SalonEra Sessions is a new initiative from SalonEra,” they explain. “Audiences will enjoy gorgeous music and fascinating insights from featured guests to listen, learn, and enjoy in a casual setting along with light refreshments. This event will be recorded, edited, and released as a SalonEra episode later in the season.”
The initial session is called “Songs for Social Justice,” and it will explore the stories told by Renaissance lute songs by William Byrd and John Dowland, African-American spirituals and classic Lebanese melodies. Countertenor Michael Walker and tenor Haitham Haidar will talk about the themes of identity and community they embrace, while oboist/host Debra Nagy (founder of Les delices), viola de gamba player Rebecca Landell Reed and lute/oud player Brian Kay provide the musical backdrops.
The 75-minute concert takes place at the Heights Theatre in Cleveland Heights; enter under the Centrum sign. Tickets aren’t required; there’s a suggested donation of $20.