UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music presents the Early Music Ensemble in concert on Monday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall. This dynamic program, curated by Professor James Lyon, features works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and the remarkable violin virtuoso George Bridgetower, a contemporary of Beethoven’s.

The first half of the program commemorates Bach’s 340th birthday with a performance of his Orchestral Suite No. 3, played in its original instrumentation, and the moving first movement from his early cantata, Ich habe genug (I Am Content), BWV 82, featuring vocalist Chris Arceo.
The second half of the concert will explore the fascinating history of George Bridgetower, the original dedicatee of Beethoven’s renowned Kreutzer Sonata. Dr. Nicole Cherry will give a guest presentation on Bridgetower’s life and contributions, followed by performances of two of his compositions. The program will conclude with Beethoven’s early Trio for Two Oboes and English Horn, showcasing his inventive chamber writing.

This performance will also feature guest conductors Professor Gerardo Edelstein and Javier Gorelik alongside the talented musicians of the Early Music Ensemble.

Tickets are available through the Arts Ticket Center at this link. Prices are $12.50 for adults and $5 for students, with the box office opening one hour before each concert. A livestream will be accessible for remote viewers via the Penn State School of Music livestream page.