Med/Ren Collegium on Feb. 27, 2010

Join us and SFEMS summer workshop director Tom Zajac on Saturday, February 27 for a n unusual daylong collegium/workshop as we sing and play rare gems of 16th-18th century Nueva Espaņa.

We will explore the fascinating world of villancicos, motets and mass movements as well as a few instrumental works by Spanish and native New World composers, from what is now Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Cuba and even the south-western United States. The texts of these pieces will mostly be in Spanish or Latin, but some are written in Native-American languages, some with elements of African dialects. The rhythms are catchy, the harmonies luxurious and the melodies knock-dead gorgeous. Many of these works, which are rarely performed or heard in modern times, will be presented in Tom's own legible and user-friendly editions and arrangements.