Madrigal Madness

Madrigal Madness features ARTEK’s early music stars with young artist guests, performing madrigals by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) from Books 2 and 3. Musicologist Barbara Hanning will speak to the audience about the historical context and poetry of these madrigals, most of which are still rarely heard despite the recent popularity of Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 and of many of his later madrigals.

ARTEK performers include Ryland Angel (countertenor/tenor), Andrew Fuchs (tenor) and Peter Becker (bass-baritone). Guests artists were selected competitively from over forty up-and-coming singers.

This concert is part of Madrigal Academy, a new ARTEK initiative. Through Madrigal Academy ARTEK’s seasoned performers work with emerging artists to delve deeper into the neglected Italian madrigal repertory. ARTEK will continue to present Madrigal Madness performances, seeking to perform in unusual venues in the five boroughs with the desire to develop an informal concert format appealing to younger audiences.