Monday, March 27, 2023
12 PM
Long ago four people used to meet every year under a tree on top of Mount Palomar to sing madrigals. In 2003, it suddenly occurred to them that they could meet more frequently outside the context of the San Diego Early Music Society Workshop, and so they arranged to get together "down the mountain". They were joined by two more friends, and Courtly Noyse was born. This lively mix of personalities soon developed the blend of humor, imagination, and versatility in the performance of Renaissance music that has become their trademark.
You might say that some members of Courtly Noyse are instrumentalists who sing, and others are singers who play instruments. Their goal is to be true "Renaissance men"—in other words, to derive pleasure from engaging in a wide variety of musical activities without necessarily being technically superlative in every area. Just like their forebears in the sixteenth century, they enjoy whiling away an evening or a Sunday afternoon with music, storytelling and jokes—and their hope is that their audience will derive as much pleasure from their collaboration as they do.
Courtly Noyse performs a mix of instrumental and vocal Renaissance music on reproductions of Renaissance instruments while wearing Renaissance costumes. A concert usually uses 40–50 instruments and their voices. Having six musicians who also sing, and use a large variety of instruments, allows them to perform a wide range of music, making the concert more varied and interesting.
For more information go to http://www.CourtlyNoyse.com.
Free concerts at noon every Monday from fall through spring . . . no wonder the Mini-Concerts are the longest-running and one of the most popular classical music series at the library! This series was founded by Glenna Hazleton in 1970 at the Athenaeum, and has been going strong ever since. The concerts feature both local and touring musicians, prize-winning students, university music faculty members, local chamber ensembles. . . and the repertoire also includes jazz, folk and world music. There are no reservations, no tickets . . . just line up at the side door of the Athenaeum before noon. (Donations are always welcome!) Mini-Concerts take place every Monday at noon and last about an hour.
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Doors open at 11:50 a.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert.
Masks optional. If you have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.