Parthenia

Parthenia, hailed by the New Yorker as "one of the brightest lights in New York's early-music scene," is a dynamic ensemble exploring the extraordinary repertory for viols from Tudor England to the court of Versailles and beyond. Known for its remarkable sense of ensemble, Parthenia is presented in concerts across America, and produces its own lively and distinguished concert series at Corpus Christi Church in New York City...

Noteworthy among Parthenia's inventive programs have been a presentation of the complete instrumental works of Robert Parsons at Columbia's Miller Theatre, and the complete viol fantasies of Henry Purcell at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. Parthenia performs often at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, both in Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium and in the Museum's Medieval Sculpture Hall, and appeared in conjunction with the exhibition, "Searching for Shakespeare," at the Yale Center for British Art. Parthenia's popular touring program, ?When Music and Sweet Poetry Agree,? is a unique collaboration with actor Paul Hecht and soprano Jacqueline Horner, a celebration of Shakespearean poetry and music.

Parthenia has commissioned, premiered and recorded many new works by composers such as Phil Kline, Brian Fennelly, Will Ayton, Randy Sandke, John Stone, Nicholas Patterson, and others, in part through grants from the American Composers Forum, the Camargo Foundation, Roger Williams University, the Viola da Gamba Society of America, and private funds. An ASCAP/CMA Award honored Maverick Concerts' 2002 Season, which included two world premieres of works by Brian Fennelly, commissioned especially by Maverick for Parthenia. Through a 2006 grant from the Jerome Foundation, Parthenia is excited to be commissioning and premiering "Nothing Proved Can Be," a new song cycle for viol consort, voice and interactive audio processing, set by composer Kristin Norderval to the extraordinary poetry of Queen Elizabeth I. Parthenia recently recorded a new CD of the works of Will Ayton, "A Reliquary for William Blake," on the MSR Classics label.

Website: parthenia.org