The Virgin’s Teares

The 17th century saw a flourishing of art depicting the Virgin Mary, influenced by the Counter-Reformation, which placed Mary at the center of its theology. Composed by Baroque masters who excelled in expressing human emotions, The Virgin’s Teares expresses the joy, anger, doubt, and despair experienced by Mary. One of the most beautiful and captivating examples of these highly contrasting compositions is Merula's Canzonetta, a lullaby based on a two-note ostinato, which represents the rocking of the child, while the Virgin, foreseeing the throes of the Passion, laments on her child’s fate.

Founded in 1980 by viola da gambist Philippe Pierlot, Ricercar Consort explores multiple genres of Baroque music in concert and in their more than 100 recorded albums. The group’s reputation for stirring and rigorous performance is unparalleled. 

Grammy®-nominated soprano Céline Scheen joins Ricercar Consort on their tour.

Pre-Concert Talk at 7:00

Philippe Pierlot, bass viol & artistic director

Céline Scheen, soprano

Paul Goussot, continuo organ

Daniel Zapico, theorbo

Additional musicians: Josef Zak & Augustin Lusson, violin; Benoît Vanden Bemden, violone