Enjoy Alkemie’s new concert film, Saltwinds & Spice with Rose of the Compass from the comfort of your own home! A viewing link will be sent to you upon purchase, and will be available to view until December 31, 2025.

In SALTWINDS & SPICE Alkemie joins forces with Rose of the Compass, featuring recorder superstar Nina Stern and Armenian-American oud-player and beloved composer Ara Dinkjian. Together, we explore the world of medieval Cyprus, offering a window into a multiethnic entrepot. Hear musical tales of rose-scented fountains, shrines famous for both holy relics and snake-hunting cats, and monarchies founded by mermaids. Featuring French ars subtilior music from the Cyprus Codex (MS. J.II.9) alongside Armenian and Greek folk music.

• September 8: Medieval Rounds and Grounds
• October 27: Medieval Bestiary
• November 17: La Spagna
• December 15: Early 15th century English Carols

This holiday season, YouTube star Voices of Music celebrates with the radiant sounds of Vivaldi—music full of brilliance, warmth, and joy—featuring an all-star roster of soloists: Elizabeth Blumenstock, YuEun Kim, Isabelle Seula Lee, Augusta McKay Lodge, Eva Lymenstull, Hanneke van Proosdij, and Shelby Yamin. Performed on period instruments, this program captures the sparkling vitality and expressive depth of Vivaldi’s most beloved works.

At the heart of the concert is The Four Seasons,Vivaldi’s most celebrated and enduring masterpiece, celebrating its 300th anniversary. Each of the four concertos—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—paints a vivid portrait of nature’s changing moods, from singing birds and murmuring brooks to rolling thunder and icy winds.

Also on the program is Vivaldi's Recorder Concerto in C Major, RV 444, sparkling with playful brilliance, and quicksilver lines darting with festive spirit. His Cello Concerto in A Minor, RV 419 explores a more introspective sound world—lyrical, expressive, and rich with emotional depth. Rounding out the program, the Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor RV 580 dazzles with exhilarating ensemble virtuosity as four soloists weave a lively tapestry of counterpoint and conversation.

Three San Francisco Bay Area Performances:

Dec. 19, 7:00PM: First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto
Dec. 20, 7:30PM: San Francisco Conservatory, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco
Dec. 21, 7:30PM: First Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley (entrance on Dana)

This holiday season, YouTube star Voices of Music celebrates with the radiant sounds of Vivaldi—music full of brilliance, warmth, and joy—featuring an all-star roster of soloists: Elizabeth Blumenstock, YuEun Kim, Isabelle Seula Lee, Augusta McKay Lodge, Eva Lymenstull, Hanneke van Proosdij, and Shelby Yamin. Performed on period instruments, this program captures the sparkling vitality and expressive depth of Vivaldi’s most beloved works.

At the heart of the concert is The Four Seasons,Vivaldi’s most celebrated and enduring masterpiece, celebrating its 300th anniversary. Each of the four concertos—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—paints a vivid portrait of nature’s changing moods, from singing birds and murmuring brooks to rolling thunder and icy winds.

Also on the program is Vivaldi's Recorder Concerto in C Major, RV 444, sparkling with playful brilliance, and quicksilver lines darting with festive spirit. His Cello Concerto in A Minor, RV 419 explores a more introspective sound world—lyrical, expressive, and rich with emotional depth. Rounding out the program, the Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor RV 580 dazzles with exhilarating ensemble virtuosity as four soloists weave a lively tapestry of counterpoint and conversation.

Three San Francisco Bay Area Performances:

Dec. 19, 7:00PM: First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto
Dec. 20, 7:30PM: San Francisco Conservatory, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco
Dec. 21, 7:30PM: First Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley (entrance on Dana)

This holiday season, YouTube star Voices of Music celebrates with the radiant sounds of Vivaldi—music full of brilliance, warmth, and joy—featuring an all-star roster of soloists: Elizabeth Blumenstock, YuEun Kim, Isabelle Seula Lee, Augusta McKay Lodge, Eva Lymenstull, Hanneke van Proosdij, and Shelby Yamin. Performed on period instruments, this program captures the sparkling vitality and expressive depth of Vivaldi’s most beloved works.

At the heart of the concert is The Four Seasons,Vivaldi’s most celebrated and enduring masterpiece, celebrating its 300th anniversary. Each of the four concertos—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—paints a vivid portrait of nature’s changing moods, from singing birds and murmuring brooks to rolling thunder and icy winds.

Also on the program is Vivaldi's Recorder Concerto in C Major, RV 444, sparkling with playful brilliance, and quicksilver lines darting with festive spirit. His Cello Concerto in A Minor, RV 419 explores a more introspective sound world—lyrical, expressive, and rich with emotional depth. Rounding out the program, the Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor RV 580 dazzles with exhilarating ensemble virtuosity as four soloists weave a lively tapestry of counterpoint and conversation.

Three San Francisco Bay Area Performances:

Dec. 19, 7:00PM: First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto
Dec. 20, 7:30PM: San Francisco Conservatory, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco
Dec. 21, 7:30PM: First Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley (entrance on Dana)

Join us for a series of Consort Studio Workshops in central New Jersey, monthly sessions in ensemble playing for intermediate to advanced level recorder players to learn to play with one another and other instruments under a skilled conductor, with professional accompaniment.

These events will be led by conductor, recorder player, and harpsichordist, Steven Russell (see below). It is an opportunity to play a variety of Baroque literature for small ensembles, through rehearsal, instruction, and demonstration, in a supportive environment, with a focus on ensemble playing, and end with the option to play the lead alto part with a professional ensemble. We will have opportunities to warm up on Renaissance music with SATB recorders, so bring all sizes. Register early to receive the music well in advance. Auditors welcome to attend. Sessions culminate in a performance.

Dates: One Saturday of the month, 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. w/ a 15-min. break       

Nov. 8, 2025  Open for General Registration. A Taste of Things to Come       

Jan. 10, 2026           Feb. 28, 2026        March 14, 2026        April 25, 2026

May 9, 2026  Workshop-Rehearsal     June 13      Oct. 10      Nov. 14, 2026

Location: Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South Second Avenue, Highland Park, NJ. There is plenty of parking at the location, which is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the New Brunswick NJT train station.

To register, Visit https://hprecorder.org/events/2026-consort-studio/. For more information contact recorderdonna@gmail.com 

This seminar class explores the rich textures and vibrant rhythms of Spanish Renaissance music, as it delves into Epiphany-themed works by three of Spain’s most celebrated composers. Experience the intricate polyphony of Tomás Luis de Victoria, the luminous melodies of Francisco Guerrero, and the heartfelt expressions of Cristóbal de Morales, all adapted for recorders of multiple sizes. Celebrate the journey of the Magi and the festive spirit of the season through playing music that blends devotional depth with lively charm.

All are welcome! SATB Recorders, A=440hz