Repast weaves together early music and visual art in four concerts inspired by color.
PIGMENT:
Prussian Blue
September 18, 19, & 20, 2026
In 1704, an accidental discovery during an experiment in Berlin produced the world’s first synthetic pigment. While attempting to create a red pigment, color maker Johann Jacob Diesbach instead produced a vivid, deep blue unlike anything the world had seen before. Marketed as “Berlin Blue” and later known as “Prussian Blue,” the color became one of the most sought-after pigments in Europe. Prussian Blue traces this first synthetic pigment through the intertwined worlds of music, science, and commerce, including the exchange between Berlin and London after Diesbach’s monopoly was broken in 1724 by a British chemist, allowing the pigment to spread rapidly throughout Europe. Music by Graun, Handel, Schaffrath, Pepusch, Quantz, J.C. Bach, and C.P.E Bach.
REVOLUTION:
Red, White, and Blue
November 6, 7, & 8, 2026
In honor of America’s Semiquincentennial and the 2026 Midterm Elections, Repast tells the connected story of the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions. Red, White, & Blue unfurls in three thematic sections: Red represents patriotism, sacrifice, and the fervor of resistance; White evokes liberation, abolitionism, and the pursuit of equality; and Blue embodies justice, perseverance, and collective hope. Music and texts by William Billings, Francis Johnson, Michael Fortune, Nelly Custis, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, Giovanni Battista Viotti, Belinda Sutton, William Steffe, and Julia Ward Howe. With soprano Sonya Headlam, violinist Shelby Yamin, and oboist Gaia Saetermoe-Howard.
CHIAROSCURO:
Finding Light in Darkness
February 5, 6, & 7, 2027
Chiaroscuro is a study in contrasts, a painting technique that uses light to define an object when balanced against shadow. Occurring at the darkest time of the year, this program is a meditation on the transformative power of light through brilliant music by 17th-century female composers across Italy, including Barbara Strozzi, Vittoria Aleotti, Claudia Francesca Rusca, Caterina Assandra, Claudia Sessa, and Francesca Caccini. Projected paintings highlighting contemporary women artists, including Orsola Maddalena Caccia, Fede Galizia, and Elisabetta Sirani, interweave themes of transcendence, faith, and beauty among longing, sorrow, and mortality. With soprano Elisse Albian and violinist Rebecca Scout Nelson.
BROWNING:
Her Leaves Be Green
April 23, 24, & 25, 2027
Inspired by the 17th-century tune known by the name ‘Browning, Madame’ or ‘The Leaves be Green,’ Repast creates an ode to springtime set in the lush, verdant countryside. From vivid scenes of county fairs to quiet woodland reflections, Her Leaves be Green revels in the wonders of nature as spring unfolds, evoking a sound world filled with birdsong, shepherds, and country dances. With a visual backdrop of pastoral watercolors from 17th-century Dutch artist Gesina ter Borch, Repast invites you to wander through the ‘Woods so Wild’ with music by Ravenscroft, Byrd, Farnaby, Woodcock, and Dowland. With lutenist Adam Cockerham.
We look forward to sharing music and literature with you this season!
