Website of ensemble:
State/Province where ensemble is based:
MA
Name of performers in the ensemble and the instruments they play:
Na’ama Lion, flute; Sherezade Panthaki, Daniela Tosic, Lydia Knutson, Aaron Sheehan, Jason Steigerwalt, voices; Laura Gulley, Sarah Darling, Jane Starkman, Janet Haas, strings; Ruth McKay, harpsichord and organ; Noriko Yasuda, harpsichord and fortepiano; Laury Gutiérrez, viola da gamba, director
Paragraph about the ensemble:
La Donna Musicale is a unique ensemble dedicated to the performance of music by women composers from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical periods in a historically informed manner, as well as to the performance of women’s contemporary music. Praised by Early Music America for its “excellent performers” and “outstanding music stylishly performed.” La Donna Musicale’s groundbreaking CDs, The Seven Psalms of David, Vols. I and II, feature Baroque composers Antonia Bembo and Elisabeth de la Guerre. These CDs constitute the largest recorded compilation of Bembo’s music to date. Both received outstanding reviews in Early Music America, International Record Review and Early Music (UK). Vol. I has received the highest praise (5 stars) from the international early-music journal Goldberg. LDM’s newest recording, The Pleasures of Love and Libation: Airs by Julie Pinel and other Parisian Women, showcasing Baroque and Rococo music, also received 5 stars from Goldberg. The CD was also hailed by reviewers for Early Music America and CD HotList. La Donna Musicale participates in music education series such as Meet the Performer at Harvard University and Learning to Listen at Bryn Mawr College, among other educational institutions.
Educational/Outreach add-ons available:
La Donna Musicale's outreach program includes performances, brief lectures, and hands-on demonstrations of period instruments, in order to educate young people about aspects of 17th- and 18th-century musical culture. These events provide a unique opportunity for raising public awareness of historical and contemporary women composers as well as providing positive role models.
Titles of touring programs for 2011-12:
1- La Virtuosa di Venezia: The unique Anna Bon A dazzling program of music by Anna Bon, including recently found vocal pieces representing the Galant style with delightful melodies and elegant virtuosity. 2- Love & Death in Venice: Venetian Women Composers of the 17th and 18th century Passionate arias, moving laments and delightful instrumental music by Barbara Strozzi, Antonia Bembo, and Anna Bon
Group Photo (JPEG):
Audio files:
Ensemble's touring schedule for the past three years:
Discography of the ensemble:
Additional "online press kit" materials (flyers, reviews, etc.):