What do musicians always need? Answer: a place to play and money. Put those together and you have the holy grail of freelance musicians, a paying gig. And in the early part of the 17th century, the relatively new economic power of the Dutch Republic suddenly awoke art and musical talent in the small country.
This weekend, Les Graces Baroque Ensemble brings that culture to life, showcasing the music of songwriters like Carolus Hacquart the flutist and carilloneur Jacob van Eyck, and the organist Jan Pierterszoon Sweelinck. Meanwhile the famous publishers of Amsterdam were busy issuing important editions, bringing out the music of John Dowland, the great English lutenist and Francesca Caccini, among others.
In all, the ensemble is promising to bring you a wide selection of fantastic music whose melodies should surely win admirers even beyond early music afficionados.