Amethyst Baroque Ensemble celebrates 5th season, 2023/24 concert lineup | EarRelevant

EarRelevant Staff | 08 SEP 2023

Atlanta, GA— Celebrating its fifth year of sharing Baroque music with audiences in Atlanta, Athens, Macon, and beyond, Amethyst Baroque Ensemble has just announced its 2023/24 concert season.

Named after Georgia’s official state gemstone, Amethyst Baroque Ensemble was co-founded by Dr. Alexandra Snyder Dunbar (harpsichord) and Jody Miller (recorder), making their official debut as a duo while sightreading recorder sonatas at a music shop in 2018. Adrin Akins (countertenor) and Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba) joined the early music ensemble as core members the following spring.

Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, are the ensemble’s dual home bases, where Amethyst performs regularly and participates in various concert series. The new season’s lineup of multi-city programs also features concerts in Oxford, Macon, and Brevard (NC).

Here’s the full season schedule, with locations and program descriptions:

Amethyst Baroque Ensemble 2023–24 Season

Angels & Demons

Friday, September 29, 2023, at 5:00 pm
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 256 East Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712
Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 7:00 pm
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 2601 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30345
Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 4:00 pm
First Christian Church of Athens, 268 West Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601

The struggle between good and evil sets the stage for this Baroque program of music that includes works by Telemann, Dowland, Veracini, Marais, and others. Whether a fall from grace or an opportunity for redemption, Amethyst Baroque members Adrin Akins (countertenor), Jody Miller (recorder), Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba), and Alexandra Dunbar (harpsichord), take the listener through music depicting the conflict—at least according to composers of the 17th and 18th centuries.

A Voice Astounds Us: An Advent Songfest

Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 7:00 pm
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 2601 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30345
Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 4:00 pm
First Christian Church of Athens, 268 West Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601

Amethyst Baroque Ensemble celebrates Advent through music that dates as far back as the 16th century. Advent music will be augmented with iconic Baroque repertoire, as well as more recent hymn tunes that mark the weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Adrin Akins (countertenor), Jody Miller (recorder), Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba), and Alexandra Dunbar (harpsichord and organ).

Concertare: An evening of concertos

Friday, February 16, 2024, at 7:00 pm
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar Street, Macon, GA 31201
Saturday, February 17, at 7:00 pm
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1790 Lavista Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
Sunday, February 18, at 7:00 pm
First Christian Church of Athens, 268 West Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601

With the advent of a more standardized orchestra came the concerto—a major work that featured one instrument with orchestral accompaniment. Concertos by Vivaldi, Telemann, and more, as well as chamber selections rarely programmed. Adrin Akins (countertenor), Jody Miller (recorder), Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba), and Alexandra Dunbar (harpsichord and organ).

Tu sei amore: Music in my heart

Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:00 pm
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 2601 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30345
Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 4:00 pm
First Christian Church of Athens, 268 West Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601

A mother’s love can be the ultimate standard by which all other love is measured. The members of Amethyst Baroque share music that evokes compassion and adoration in an honorable nod to our mothers and other motherly figures in our lives. Adrin Akins (countertenor), Jody Miller (recorder), Marcy Jean Brenner (viola da gamba), and Alexandra Dunbar (harpsichord and organ).

Requested donation for admission to all concerts: $20 donation; $10 for discounted categories; no one turned away due to inability to donate.

For more information, visit: amethystbaroque.com. ■

EXTERNAL LINKS:

Amethyst Baroque Ensemble: amethystbaroque.com

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