For 15 years, Ensemble Musical Offering, under the
guidance of Artistic Director Joan Parsley has been a
leading producer of early music in the Midwest. The group has received critical
acclaim and become the recipient of national education awards and broadcasts
over Wisconsin Public Radio. The great masterpieces of the Baroque and Classical
eras have been lovingly rendered on period instruments the Ensemble's musicians
have acquired and carefully maintained.
Mission Statement: "to foster appreciation for early music (ca.
1580-1850) through professional performance on original instruments, education
activities, and community outreach."
Anyone who has attended Ensemble Musical Offering's concerts and lectures knows
that the life, nature and music of J.S. Bach and his circle are at its core.
Special emphasis will be placed, once again, on the genius of this greatest of
composers and foundation of our Western musical heritage as the Ensemble
continues its 2012-2013 season with The Language of Bach: A
Community Conversation.
The humanities are central to our artistic vision. Ensemble Musical Offering
sponsors nationally and internationally-acclaimed lecturers who are at the
cutting edge of research in the field of early music. Scholars from a cross of
disciplines provide the background for a musical, cultural immersion. You’ll
find them at Pre-concert Lecture and Talk Back series.
In the 2012-2013 season, the Ensemble brings perspective to
the worlds of J.S. Bach through eye-opening lectures and spirited discussions
with noted scholars from the fields of language, art history and criticism,
history and philosophy. We welcome German scholar Sylvester Kreilein along with
Merry Wiesner-Hanks and others. Former visiting lecturers have included: Joshua
Rifkin, Michael Marissen, Daniel Melemed, Sheridan Germain, Tanya Kavorkian,
Donald Posner (Bach projects); Jost Hermand, Allesandra Comini, Owen Jander,
William Meredith (Beethoven project); Raymond Erickson, Yvonne Kendall, Ramon
Martinez, John Patrick Donnelly, S.J., Suzanne Stratton, Louise Stein, Lance
Grahn, Sara Nalle (Spanish Baroque); and Sylvester Kreilein, Leonard Schulze,
Kimberly Redding, Carol Dittrich (Biedermeier project).
With performances showcased in the historic venue of the Cathedral Church of
All Saints, Milwaukee, the emphasis is always on artistry and intimacy,
education, a nod towards authenticity, and the passion of today’s musicians we
call "the Fresh Face of Early Music".
In addition to the Ensemble's performance series, Musical
Offering is dedicated to the education of youth, particularly in K-12. Thanks to
funding from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Pepperdine University's Waves of
Service, we are pleased to launch a one-week comprehensive summer Baroque
institute, It Takes Guts To Go Baroque. Please see our
Education page for more information.
Musical Offering's Community Outreach is widespread with
lectures and performances throughout the Midwest. Our newest initiative is this
October as we launch the Fifth Annual The Greater Milwaukee Baroque Festival and
Competition. Details to follow shortly.
Join us for our
current offering or the
entire season and experience it for yourself!
  
|
|
