Celestial Voices
Across the seventeenth century, Italian convents provided a haven for women to compose music that their fellow sisters performed as they prayed the services of the Divine Office. Many women excelled so much behind the cloistered walls of the convent that they achieved tremendous notoriety in their respective cities. This program brings the nuns’ fascinating stories and exquisite musical works to life for contemporary audiences. 

Musicians: Grace Srinivasan (Soprano), Kristen Dubenion-Smith (alto), Amy Domingues (viola da gamba), Paula Maust (harpsichord)

She Wept and Then Triumphed

Stories of impactful women’s anguish and triumphant victories have inspired musical composers for centuries. This program pairs Baroque era narratives of Dido’s agonizing death and the sorrow of unrequited love with a powerful retelling of Judith beheading Holofernes. 

Musicians: Grace Srinivasan (soprano), Freya Creech (violin), Amy Domingues (viola da gamba), Paula Maust (harpsichord) 

Her Perspective

This program celebrates the bold act of early modern women composers telling the stories of Biblical heroines. The compelling stories of Eve, Mary, Esther, and Anna are portrayed in music for soprano, viola da gamba, and harpsichord. Each composer on the program has her own illuminating story that is brought to light alongside the narratives of the women they wrote about.  

Musicians: Grace Srinivasan (soprano), Amy Domingues (viola da gamba), Paula Maust (harpsichord)