BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji Baroque Ensemble, together with guest artists, will present a program of paired instruments and voices Sunday, Feb. 17 at 3 p.m., in a recital marking the 30th anniversary of its first performance at Bemidji State University.

The recital will be held in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex. Admission is free of charge.

Works to be performed will feature pairs of instruments and voices in celebration of the ensemble’s anniversary and honor of Valentine’s Day. Included in the program will be Handel’s “Sonata for Two Cellos” and “Aria for Two Sopranos;” Rameau’s “Piece en Concert for Flute, Cello and Harpsichord;” Quantz’ “Trio Sonata for Two Flutes;” and Bach’s aria “Sheep May Safely Graze” for soprano and flute.

The ensemble’s founding members are Dr. Natalie Roholt of Bemidji on flute and Bemidji State music faculty members Margaret Maxwell, adjunct instructor in music, on harpsichord and Dr. Patrick Riley, professor of music, on cello.

Joining the ensemble as guest artists for the February recital are Susan Nelson, BSU adjunct professor of flute; Sonja Connell, a cellist and private cello teacher in Bemidji, and sopranos Jennifer Swanson and Ruth Jacobson, BSU assistant professors of vocal music.

Members of the Bemidji Baroque Ensemble began performing together in 1978, a time of renewed interest in playing older music in a more historically accurate style. They presented their first concert dressed in period costume and have been presenting recitals to the community once or twice a year since. They continue to specialize in historically informed performances of music composed before 1750.For more information, please contact the BSU Department of Music at (218) 751-2915.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 17 – 3 p.m. – 30th anniversary recital presented by Bemidji Baroque Ensemble and guest artists. Location: Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, Bemidji State University. Admission: free.