This Saturday, it seems like there is a lot going on with LCH folks, namely The Rev. Phyllis (Fifi) Hormann’s installation as a chaplain at Hawaii State Hospital and LCH’s turn to man the pledge drive phones at Hawaii Public Radio during Prairie Home Companion. But right here on campus, the Lutheran Church of Honolulu will play host to Ensemble Mirable, a leading American baroque string ensemble, in a program of 17th century German music for string ensemble “inspired by brilliant Italian virtuosi.” The event is being sponsored by Early Music Hawaii, the organization which sponsored our Monteverdi Vespers last fall.

On Saturday afternoon, October 15th from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, there will be masterclasses for baroque ensemble, harpsichord and baroque guitar. I myself will be performing along with Anna Womack, Maile Reeves and John Gallagher in a sonata by Giovanni Legrenzi. And Carl Crosier and Mark Russell will be playing in the harpsichord masterclass.

According to the Early Music Hawaii website, “this is a rare chance to hear the composers who influenced Bach and Handel played in period style; and a unique opportunity to hear a violin built by Andrea Guarneri in 1660.” This violin will be played by Elizabeth Blumenstock, made available to her through the generosity of the Philadelphia Period Instrument Trust.

The concert at 7;30 pm  “Influenza Italiana”, will feature 17th century sonatas and freer-form works by Biagio Marini, Johann Rosenmüller, Dario Castello, Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Marco Uccellini, Dieterich Buxtehude and others. It synthesizes the best of the German and Italian string repertory from several masters who influenced Bach, Handel and Vivaldi.

The members of the San Francisco-based Ensemble Mirable include Elizabeth Blumenstock and Katherine Kyme (baroque violin), Kevin Cooper (baroque guitar), Joanna Blendulf (viola da gamba), and JungHae Kim (harpsichord).

Both events will take place in the LCH nave and tickets may be purchased by going to the Early Music Hawaii’s website.