Parthenia is embarking on an exciting new season filled with innovative performances, community outreach, and passionate collaborations. From commissioned works to interactive educational events, their 2024–2025 season is a reflection of their deep commitment to expanding the boundaries of the viol consort while staying rooted in tradition.
At the dawn of this new season it’s worth remembering that Parthenia are masters at fusing their contemporary take on early music with fresh innovations; engaging with living composers, sharing digital performance webcasts, utilizing story-enhancing holograms. In November of last year, however, the acclaimed viola da gamba quartet explored a new avenue that may yet prove to be the most important aspect of their legacy.
Parthenia’s 2023-2024 season began with something of an experiment – a collaboration with The Queens College Vocal Ensemble, directed by James John, to celebrate and commemorate the music of William Byrd (1543–1623) and Thomas Weelkes (1576–1623). This was the first time in their history that Parthenia worked with music students on such an intimate level to share their expertise and guidance. The resulting concerts in December 2023 were a tremendous success and hinted at the future. Given that part of Parthenia’s mission is to cultivate a young audience for early music – what better way than working directly with that audience?
Brooklyn College Collaboration and New Works
The first manifestation of the philosophy outlined above kicks off the 2024-2025 season with a collaboration at Brooklyn College, where Parthenia will work closely with both students and their professor Malcolm J. Merriweather, a Grammy nominated conductor, Director of the New York Philharmonic Chorus and Music Director of New York City’s The Dessoff Choirs and Orchestra. This partnership has led to the commissioning of a new piece from a Brooklyn College student composer, bridging the gap between historical instruments and contemporary music creation. Intensive rehearsals will take place in late November and culminate in concerts on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22.
As part of this collaboration, Parthenia will host a series of live-streamed masterclasses, providing students with an up-close look at their creative process and technical expertise. These masterclasses offer a unique opportunity for young musicians to engage with professional artists, furthering their education through real-time interaction. A small documentary crew will be onsite as well to capture the collaborative energy between Parthenia and the Brooklyn College team, giving audiences a deeper appreciation of the group’s creative process.
December: “An Elizabethan Christmas”
What better way to ring in the holiday season than early music? Parthenia’s concert An Elizabethan Christmas takes place on December 8th at 4 pm at The Church of Saint Luke in the Fields. This festive performance will feature a collection of Renaissance and Elizabethan pieces, celebrating the warmth and spirit of the season. Known for their ability to transport audiences to another time, Parthenia’s December concert is sure to be a highlight, blending the historical with the joyful atmosphere of Christmas.
January: “Continental Connections”
Moving into the new year, Parthenia will present Continental Connections on January 26, 2025, also at The Church of Saint Luke in the Fields. This program will explore the interplay between musical traditions from across Europe, showcasing the diversity of styles that shaped the Renaissance period. The concert will provide a rich tapestry of early music that draws lines between different countries and cultures, emphasizing Parthenia’s skill in curating programs that are both intellectually engaging and musically captivating.
March: Community Outreach in Newburgh
In March, Parthenia will head to Newburgh, New York for a community outreach program that emphasizes hands-on learning and education. The event will include a “petting zoo” where students and community members will have the opportunity to try playing the viol. This interactive element is designed to demystify the instrument and make early music more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, Parthenia will host a lecture and demonstration for area school music teachers, fostering a deeper understanding of early music and its pedagogical value.
April: Or is it Mai?
On Sunday, 27th April, Parthenia will perform Les Amours de Mai – a concert of French Renaissance songs by such composers as Claude le Jeune, Guillaume Costeley, Claude Goudimel, Eustache du Caurroy and others. Joining them for this show will be soprano Sherezade Panthaki and Renaissance lutenist Christopher Morrongiello. The program includes songs that exude a lightness ideal for early Spring.
May: Manhattan Milestone
The season will culminate in May with a performance in Manhattan, where Parthenia will join forces with a local adult chorus. This event includes the commissioning of an original work, made possible by a grant, and marks a milestone in Parthenia’s ongoing mission to blend early and modern music. A longer documentary feature will focus on Parthenia’s work with both Brooklyn and Queens Colleges, shedding light on the ensemble’s influence in academic settings and their contribution to the next generation of musicians.
Looking Ahead
As Parthenia moves through this season, they continue to push the envelope of what an early music ensemble can achieve. From the intimacy of their collaborations with academic institutions to their outreach efforts in the community, Parthenia remains a vital force in both the early music and broader classical music world. This season, Parthenia proves that early music is not only relevant but essential in today’s cultural landscape. Their innovative programming, collaborative efforts, and commitment to education ensure that the music of the past will continue to inspire audiences long into the future!
