Event Title:

Organization:

  Concert

  Oakland

Start Date:

  4/19/2026

End Date:

  4/19/2026

Start Time:

  7:30 PM

End Time:

  8:15 PM

Event Info: 

  Acclaimed Early Music Ensemble, Voices of Music, Unveils "Secret Garden": A Multi-Century Musical Journey and World Premiere

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA - This April, audiences are invited to step inside a sonic sanctuary as a world-class ensemble of early music specialists presents "The Secret Garden." This evocative program explores the concept of the hortus conclusus (enclosed garden)-spaces designed throughout history for relaxation, reflection, and escape from the rigors of urban life. Featuring soprano, Molly Netter.

Spanning nearly a millennium of music, the performance weaves together a rich tapestry of horticultural influences. The journey begins with the medieval mysticism of Hildegard von Bingen and the Iberian devotion of the Cantigas de Santa Maria, before blooming into the refined elegance of the Baroque era. Featured works include Frescobaldi's airy "Se l'aura spira," Couperin's delicate "La Flore," and Hotteterre's "La Cascade de St. Cloud."

The program also highlights beloved English melodies such as "In a garden so green" and the timeless "Gather ye rosebuds." Fiddle tunes by Playford and the world premiere of a new composition by Hanneke van Proosdij, round out this innovative program.

Performers: The performances feature an extraordinary roster of period-instrument virtuosos:
Molly Netter, soprano
Cheryl Ann Fulton, harps
Shira Kammen, vielle, fiddle, baroque viola
Peter Maund, percussion
Hanneke van Proosdij, recorders & harpsichord
Elisabeth Reed, viol
David Tayler, medieval lute, baroque guitar & archlute

Performance Schedule:
Friday, April 17, 7:00 PM - First Congregational Church
1985 Louis Rd. Palo Alto, CA

Saturday, April 18, 7:30 PM - Old First Presbyterian Church,
1751 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA

Sunday, April 19, 7:30 PM - First Congregational Church of Berkeley
2345 Durant Ave., Berkeley 94704

https://www.voicesofmusic.org

Location:

  First Congregational Church of Berkeley

Room:

Address:

  2330 Durant Ave (pedestrian and wheelchair entrance on Dana St)

Phone:

  415-377-4444

City:

  Berkeley

State/Province:

  CA