The Experience
Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Telemann are the mainstay of this instrumental ensemble, but Philomel will also introduce you to the delights of lesser-known masters. Want to know what was played in the salons of revolutionary Philadelphia and Paris? Care to hear musical storms or concertos that mimic birdsong? Familiar and unfamiliar scores comprise Philomel’s imaginatively assembled and often witty programs.
Virtuosos drawn from Boston, Berkeley and London’s early music circles are recurring concerto guests and take principal roles when Philomel expands to a baroque chamber orchestra. Philadelphian Julianne Baird, whose pure soprano enthralls early music fans worldwide, is a frequent vocal soloist. Lead flutist Elissa Berardi’s fluent interpretations set a high standard.
History
Elissa Berardi (flutes and recorders) and Bruce Bekker (harpsichord) founded Philomel in 1976, borrowing the Latin name for nightingale. It remains the city’s only period-instruments group and one of the region’s most resourceful traveling ensembles.
A 12-concert series repeats each program in venues throughout Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Whether you visit Center City, Bryn Mawr, Wayne or Doylestown, Philomel is likely to play there — in addition to domestic and European tours. Recordings (on the Dorian, Omega and Centaur labels) include Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona, and cantatas by G. F. Handel, both with soprano Julianne Baird.