2025-2026 Early Music Alberta Season
- Friday, May 8, 2026 – 7:30 PM:
PAST CONCERTS
- Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7:30 PM:
- Sunday, October 4, 2025 – 6:00 PM:
- Saturday, October 26, 2025 – 7:30 PM:
- Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 9:30 AM:
- Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 9:30 AM:
- Saturday, November 8, 2025 – Noon:
- Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 3:00 PM:
- Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 7:30 PM:
- Friday, March 13, 2026 – 7:30PM:
LIVESTREAM STILL AVAILABLE until May 17, 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Pre-Concert Lecture: 7:00 PM
PAGANINI AND BOCCHERINI
- Lucas Harris – guitar
- Keith Hamm – baroque viola
- Yeeun Ha – baroque violin
- Gabriele Thielmann-Vriend – baroque violin
- Josephine van Lier – baroque cello & violoncello piccolo
While history often remembers Paganini as a towering virtuoso of the violin, our upcoming concert shines a light on his profound devotion to the guitar and his brilliant contributions to ensemble playing. We are highlighting all of the different instruments in this program.
Pre-Concert Lecture: 7:00 PM
The evening begins with a special pre-concert lecture by the acclaimed lutenist, guitarist, and researcher Lucas Harris.
Join us for an engaging pre-concert lecture exploring the fascinating life of Niccolò Paganini—legendary virtuoso, notorious gambler, and irresistible romantic, whose otherworldly artistry even gave rise to rumors of a pact with the devil. Beyond his astonishing feats on the violin, discover the lesser-known story of his lifelong devotion to the guitar and how it shaped his musical voice. A compelling portrait of brilliance, excess, and intrigue awaits.
The guitar at the center of this program is a remarkable piece of history: an 1831 Gaetano Guadagnini. This instrument has undergone a meticulous restoration by Michael Schreiner to return it to its 19th-century glory.
The restoration was an intensive process. To address significant cracks and decades of wear, the back of the instrument was carefully removed to allow for interior repairs using wood cleats and shims. This specific Guadagnini features a unique, strongly arched soundboard—bent rather than domed—which required custom jigs to stabilize.
To find out more about this fascinating process, you can view the restoration blog posts here: Part 1 and Part 2.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Cantabile in D Major, MS 109
Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840)
Guitar Solo
Niccolò Paganini
Caprice No. 20 in D Major
Niccolò Paganini
I. Allegretto
Terzetto Concertante in D Major, MS 114
Niccolò Paganini
I. Allegro
II. Minuetto: Allegretto
III. Adagio
IV. Variazioni: Allegretto
INTERMISSION
Guitar Quartet No. 15 in A minor, MS 42
Niccolò Paganini
I. Maestoso
II. Minuetto: A canone
III. Recitativo: Andante sostenuto con sentimento
IV. Adagio cantabile
V. Polacca: Allegretto festoso
Guitar Quintet No. 4 in D Major, G. 448 “Fandango”
Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805)
I. Pastorale
II. Allegro maestoso
III. Grave assai
IV. Fandango
Paganini’s Secret Mastery: The Guitar & Viola
“I am the master of the violin, but the guitar is my master.” — Niccolò Paganini
The “Other” Paganini: Guitar and Viola
While history remembers Niccolò Paganini as the “Devil’s Violinist,” his private musical life was often centered around the guitar and the viola. Tonight’s program explores this intimate side of the composer, moving away from pure violin pyrotechnics to chamber music where the viola and guitar take center stage.
The Cantabile in D Major serves as a lyrical opening, showcasing the bel canto style that influenced all of Paganini’s writing. Following a solo guitar excursion, we will hear the Caprice No. 20. While most of the 24 Caprices are relentless displays of technique, No. 20 is notable for its pastoral drone, mimicking the sound of the zampogna (Italian bagpipes).
The Terzetto Concertante is a rarity in the repertoire. Written in 1833, it ignores the violin entirely, opting instead for the rich, darker textures of the viola and cello with the guitar. It is a true “concertante” work, where the three instruments engage in a sophisticated, democratic dialogue.
A Minor Drama and Spanish Fire
After intermission, we turn to the Guitar Quartet No. 15. Unlike standard quartets of the era, this work places the viola in the primary melodic role. This reflects Paganini’s deep affection for the instrument (for which he also commissioned Berlioz’s Harold in Italy). The quartet is operatic in scope, particularly in the “Recitativo” third movement, where the viola acts as a dramatic soloist before the lively, rhythmic “Polacca” brings the work to a close.
To conclude, we transition from the Italian style to the Spanish-inflected sounds of Luigi Boccherini. An Italian cellist who spent much of his career in Madrid, Boccherini’s Guitar Quintet No. 4 is a celebratory fusion of styles. The final movement, the famous “Fandango,” is a rhythmic tour de force. Originally written for two cellos, Boccherini later arranged it for guitar to capture the authentic folk spirit of the dance, complete with castanet-like effects and driving energy.
PAST CONCERTS
Friday, March 13, 2026 – 7:30PM
Classical Conversations: The Fortepiano Unveiled
Yeeun Ha, baroque violin
Josephine van Lier, baroque cello
Joachim Segger, fortepiano
Marnie Giesbrecht, fortepiano
Early Music Alberta invites you to a thrilling evening of discovery and celebration! Be there for the very first performance on our Artistic Director’s exquisite new fortepiano—a remarkable instrument that brings the Classical era vividly to life. This concert marks a milestone moment, where sparkling piano trios by Haydn and Mozart meet the passionate lyricism of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata, all performed on stunning period instruments.
Feel the thrill of discovery as this remarkable instrument sings for the very first time in concert, in the hands of some of Edmonton’s most exceptional performers. From delicate nuance to bold expression, this is Classical music the way it was meant to be heard: up close, alive, and unforgettable. Expect electrifying chemistry, historical beauty, and a sense of connection that only true chamber music can offer. A night of firsts, finesse, and unforgettable music—you won’t want to miss it-be there when it all begins!
PROGRAM:
The concert opens with Mozart’s Piano Trio in B-flat major, K. 502, followed by the Andante and Variations in G major, K. 501 for piano four hands. After intermission we continue with Beethoven’s stunning Cello Sonata in D major, Op. 102 No. 2. The concert closes with the exciting Piano Trio in G major, Hob. XV:25, often called the “Gypsy Rondo”, by Joseph Haydn.
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7:30 PM
It Takes Two… to Gamba
Double the gambas, double the good times — music that never gets old.
Josephine van Lier – viola da gamba
Julie Hereish – viola da gamba
Julie Hereish – viola da gamba
Join Josephine van Lier and Julie Hereish for an unforgettable journey into the sonorous world of the viola da gamba. With its warm, expressive tone and centuries of history, this remarkable instrument shines brightest in the intimate pairing of two.
Together, they’ll explore the music that made the instrument so beloved; the refined and imaginative repertoire of 16th- and 17th-century Northern Europe and England, full of intricate conversations.
Two gambas, centuries of music, and an evening of gorgeous music you won’t want to miss.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
A Cello Birthday Party – Newcombe Room, 7:30 PM
Josephine van Lier – John Sexton baroque cello
Janet Kuschak – baroque cello
A 300-Year-Old Cello Takes Centre Stage
A truly once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. A Cello Birthday Party celebrates the 300th birthday of an extraordinarily rare instrument: a cello built in 1725 by London maker John Sexton.
This cello, lovingly played by Josephine van Lier, is unique in the modern world. Unlike almost every other cello, it has never been modernized—never fitted with steel strings, never altered to fit modern demands. It still sings with original gut strings, offering a sound world that audiences in the 18th century would have known and cherished.
Joining Josephine on stage is fellow baroque cellist Janet Kuschak, as the program explores the vibrant repertoire that shaped the cello’s early years, with works by Giovanni Bononcini, Thomas Lindley, Francesco Cervetto, and Giuseppe Marie Clément Ferdinand Dall’Abaco. Legend even suggests that Bononcini himself may once have played on a John Sexton cello—possibly this very one.
Why this concert is unmissable:
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A rare survivor: Very few 18th-century cellos remain untouched by modern alterations. This Sexton cello is one of them.
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An authentic sound world: Audiences will hear music as it was meant to be heard—rich, resonant, and full of nuance, on gut strings.
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A living story: Van Lier will share the history of this remarkable instrument and its place in the cello’s evolution.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Doors open at 5:30PM
Program starts at 6:00PM
Food for the Body, Music for the Soul
Sorrentino’s Downtown
10162 – 100 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 0P5
Jolaine Kerley, soprano
Roderick Bryce, bass
Josephine van Lier, baroque cello/viola da gamba
Dinner*, a mini-concert, and music between courses with Jolaine Kerley (soprano), Roderick Bryce (bass), and Josephine van Lier (baroque cello/viola da gamba) in support of Early Music Alberta
Cost $200
Tax receipt for $125
*beverages not included
Note: This event is not part of the Season Pass
Parking: The Edmonton Public Library is across the street and has underground parking.
Public Transit: The closest LRT station and bus station is half a block north of the restaurant (next to the Edmonton Public Library).
NOTE: We will gladly accompany you from and to your parking spot or LRT.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
This year, Early Music Alberta will not be presenting our full festival due to a lack of government funding.
We are, however, thrilled to bring all of our planned community events to life, and to present a fantastic evening concert that promises unforgettable music:
Mini Early Music Festival
Community event
Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 9:30 AM: Renaissance reading workshop (FREE).
A fun, no-pressure morning of playing through music from the Renaissance for community musicians.
Session leader: Miriam Ferguson
Community event
Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 9:30 AM: Renaissance singing workshop (FREE)
A drop-in singing session. A fun, no-pressure morning of singing music from the Renaissance for community singers. Including tips and tricks to help any level of singer improve their sight singing.
Session leader: Jolaine Kerley
Community event
Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 12:00 Noon: Community Historical dance workshop with live music (FREE)
Participants will learn a series of historical dances from instructor Cath Jackel, then finish by dancing them to live music performed by the Borealis Renaissance Consort. This session is designed for beginners, and prior experience is not necessary. You can register singly – no partner required.
Session Leader Cath Jackel
Live music: Borealis Consort
Community event
Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 3:00 PM: Community concert featuring local early music ensembles
A great afternoon featuring ensembles from our wonderful community
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Feature Concert:
7:30 PM: Vox Humana, Vox Humilis
(The human voice, the humble voice)
Jolaine Kerley, soprano
Josephine van Lier, baroque cello/viola da gamba
Leanne Regehr, harpsichord
Early Music Alberta’s festival this season will feature the beloved community events earlier in the day as originally planned, alongside a single special evening concert: Vox Humana, Vox Humilis.
This intimate program celebrates the expressive beauty of the voice with continuo, performed by soprano Jolaine Kerley, joined by Josephine van Lier (baroque cello/viola da gamba) and Leanna Regehr (harpsichord). With music ranging from the poignant delicacy of Monteverdi’s Si dolce e’l tormento and Ohime ch’io cado, to rarely-heard gems by Paolo Magni, Francesco Ballarotti, and Bernardo Sabadini, and culminating in a sparkling sequence of arias by Alessandro Scarlatti, the evening offers a journey through passion, grief, tenderness, and joy. Interspersed with solo instrumental works for harpsichord and strings, the concert promises both intimacy and variety.
Though this year’s performance is presented on a more modest scale than originally envisioned, it brings the same elegance, depth, and artistry audiences have come to expect from Early Music Alberta.
Program highlights:
E caro il tormento – Paolo Magni
Amar e non mirar – Bernardo Sabadini
Amar e non mirar – Bernardo Sabadini
Si dolce e’l tormento – Claudio Monteverdi
Arias from La Statira, Poco si poco amore, and Lisa del foco mio – Alessandro Scarlatti
Mark your calendars: this will be a performance not to miss.
