Immerse yourself in the expressive beauty of Early Italian XVII and French Baroque music. This exquisite program, performed on period instruments by three internationally celebrated early music artists—recorder virtuoso Cléa Galhano, harpsichordist Elisabeth Wright, and baroque cellist Tulio Rondón—explores works by Domenico Gabrielli, Bartolomé de Selma y Salaverde, Ercole Pasquini, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Giovanni Battista Fontana, Dario Castello, François Couperin, Jean Barrière, and Joseph Bodin de Boismortier. The performance will feature the National Music Museum’s historic 1530 Neapolitan harpsichord (NMM 14408), 1785 Germain harpsichord (NMM 03327), and 1683 Ruggeri cello, offering audiences an authentic listening experience that connects directly to the sound world of the Baroque era.

Brazilian recorder player Cléa Galhano has graced stages from Carnegie Hall to Wigmore Hall and has been featured at major international early music festivals. Her artistry and scholarship have made her a sought-after soloist and collaborator worldwide. Joining her is Elisabeth Wright, a leading figure in historical performance and 2024 recipient of Early Music America’s Howard Mayer Brown Award for lifetime achievement, whose career as both performer and educator has shaped generations of early music specialists. Completing the ensemble is Venezuelan-born baroque cellist Tulio Rondón, known for his vivid, passionate performances and deep expertise in historical performance practice, honed through studies at The Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

Together, these three acclaimed musicians will transport listeners through a rich tapestry of baroque sonorities—delicate ornamentation, intricate counterpoint, and expressive phrasing—revealing the elegance and vitality of music from Italy and France’s golden ages. Whether you are a dedicated early music aficionado or new to the genre, this concert offers a rare opportunity to experience historically informed performance on treasured instruments from the National Music Museum’s world-class collection, all in the intimate, rich acoustic setting of the museum.

This program is funded by the Clayton & Odessa Lang Ofstad Foundation, Bank of America N. A., Co-Trustee.

The NMM Live! Series is made possible by the USD Student Government Association and the South Dakota Arts Council through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About the Instruments featured in this concert:

Germain Harpsichord (1785) – Paris, France
Crafted by master maker Jacques Germain, this late-18th-century French harpsichord features a luxurious two-manual design with a variety of tonal colors, including the distinctive peau de buffle stop. Despite a mid-20th-century rebuild, its original soundboard and refined, resonant tone remain remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of the French harpsichord tradition. (NMM14408)

Neapolitan Harpsichord (ca. 1530) – Naples, Italy
One of the world’s oldest playable harpsichords, this Renaissance-era treasure offers a rare sonic link to musical life 500 years ago. Lightly built with a single set of strings per note, it is adorned with carved cornucopias and an original decorative rose, preserving the beauty and intimacy of early Italian keyboard design. (NMM03327)

Violoncello by Francesco Ruggeri (1683) – Cremona, Italy
The oldest cello in the NMM’s Cancelosi Collection, this 17th-century Cremonese masterpiece is celebrated for its dark, rich, and powerful tone. Ruggeri’s craftsmanship and materials give the instrument a depth of sound that continues to inspire performers more than three centuries after its creation.