Presented by: The Catskill Mountain Foundation

Tracy Cowart, Elena Mullins, and Sian Ricketts (sopranos); Rachel Evans, Leah Nelson, and David McCormick (violins); Hsuan-Wen Chen (harpsichord); and Richard Kolb (theorbo and archlute)

Advance Tickets: $25; $20 seniors; $7 students
At the Door: $30; $25 seniors; $7 students

Purchase Tickets: Catskill Mountain Foundation

Three celestial sopranos: Music by Luzzasco Luzzaschi, Luigi Rossi, and Barbara Strozzi, with sonatas for three violins by Dario Castello and G. B. dalla Fontana

During the 1570s Duke Alfonso II of Ferrara established an ensemble of women musicians called the Concerto delle donne that radically changed the soundscape of Western music. Heard only "in secret" by members of the Duke's inner circle and favored guests, their concerts were the first ever to present women singing with extreme virtuosity and powerful emotional expression. The performances became legendary, and inspired many imitations throughout the 17th century and beyond. Perhaps most importantly, they opened the way for talented women to have careers as professional musicians, revolutionizing for all time the role of women in music.