Folger Consort Presents Monteverdi's Legacy, Celebrating the 17th-century Music of Claudio Monteverdi and Baroque Italian Composers

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., will host the opening program of the Folger Consort’s 50th anniversary season, spotlighting the musical evolution of early 17th-century Italy. From September 11 to 13, 2026, audiences can experience Monteverdi’s Legacy, a concert series that celebrates Claudio Monteverdi alongside his contemporaries and successors in an intimate Elizabethan-style theatre setting.

This season’s inaugural program revisits Italian repertoire featured during the ensemble’s debut season five decades ago, reflecting on the rich heritage that has defined the Folger Consort’s artistic journey. The initiative aims to both honor the origins of the ensemble and illuminate the groundbreaking musical innovations that emerged during Venice’s golden age, a period overlapping with Shakespeare’s lifetime.

At the core of the program lies the work of Claudio Monteverdi, a pivotal figure who bridged the Renaissance and Baroque eras through his pioneering use of concerted madrigals, canzonettas, and instrumental compositions. His integration of basso continuo and emotive vocal techniques transformed secular and sacred music alike, influencing the development of opera and theatrical music.

Complementing Monteverdi’s contributions, the program features compositions by notable figures such as Giovanni Battista Fontana and Biagio Marini, early advocates of violin sonatas; Francesco Corbetta, a renowned guitarist from King Charles II’s court; and Girolamo Frescobaldi, famed for his virtuosic keyboard works. Also included are pieces by Giovanni Rovetta, Monteverdi’s successor at Venice’s Basilica di San Marco, and Francesco Cavalli, a prolific opera composer instrumental in the continuation of Monteverdi’s legacy.

The ensemble for these performances comprises distinguished early music specialists, including sopranos Jessica Beebe and Agnes Coakley Cox; violinists Tatiana Chulochnikova and Aisslinn Nosky; viol player Robert Eisenstein; harpsichordist Joseph Gascho; and guitarist and theorbo player William Simms. This lineup brings together seasoned performers with extensive experience in historically informed performance practices.

In advance of the live concerts, a virtual seminar led by Robert Eisenstein will offer an in-depth exploration of the music featured in Monteverdi’s Legacy. Scheduled for September 9, 2026, this online event provides audiences with context and insights into the repertoire and performance approaches, enhancing appreciation for the upcoming live presentations.

Robert Eisenstein, co-Artistic Director of the Folger Consort, has a distinguished history with the ensemble, having directed over 200 productions across four decades. His expertise in early music and his work in academia underscore the Consort’s commitment to scholarly and artistic excellence. Christopher Kendall, co-Artistic Director and founder of the Folger Consort, brings a broad expertise spanning historical and contemporary music, bolstering the ensemble’s unique position in the Washington music scene.

The Folger Consort’s role as the early music ensemble-in-residence at the Folger Shakespeare Library has allowed it to maintain a repertoire that spans nearly a millennium. Its performances have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including multiple Washington Area Music Awards for Best Classical Chamber Ensemble. The group regularly performs in venues ranging from the Folger’s own theatre to prominent Washington cultural institutions such as the Kennedy Center and the National Cathedral.

Monteverdi’s Legacy not only revisits the foundational works of the Consort’s history but also reinforces the continued relevance of early Baroque music. By highlighting the revolutionary compositions of Monteverdi and his circle, the series offers audiences an immersive encounter with the expressive and technical breakthroughs that shaped Western art music.

Tickets are available online and through the Folger box office, with discounts for members, students, and military personnel. The Folger Shakespeare Library’s broader mission to promote accessibility to Shakespeare’s world through diverse programming is furthered by initiatives like the Folger Consort’s season, which merges historical scholarship with live performance to engage contemporary audiences.

For additional details on the Monteverdi’s Legacy concerts, including ticketing and artist information, the Folger Shakespeare Library provides resources through its official website.