FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 9, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2007

CONTACT: Katie McElwain/ Marketing Coordinator

(802) 447-1571 Fax (802) 442-8305

Consort Courante at the Bennington Museum

Journey to Old World Europe on Sunday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bennington Museum. The talented members of the Consort Courante, an historical instrument ensemble of two baroque violins, baroque cello, and harpsichord will perform a dazzling program on authentic period instruments. The program highlights will include Johann Schmelzer’s Fechtschule (The Fencing School), Johann Pachelbel’s Canon and Gigue, Henry Purcell’s Fantazia: Three Parts on a Ground, Dietrich Buxtehude’s Prelude and Fantasy for solo harpsichord, and Arcangelo Corelli’s Folia Variations. The concert is free with museum admission.

Consort Courante was founded in 2000 to explore the diverse 17^th and 18^th century European trio sonata repertoire. There are several differences between modern and baroque string instruments, including the type of strings used and the posture adapted by musicians playing baroque instruments. All the musicians performing at the Consort Courante are well versed in the music of the 17^th and 18^th centuries and the subtleties that make historical music special.

Kevin Bushee, baroque violin, has played with many celebrated performers as soloist and chamber musician with many period instrument ensembles throughout the United States.

Baroque violinist Elizabeth Sutton has played with numerous orchestras in the United States and Europe and currently performs with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the historical instrument ensemble, The Arcadia Players.

Lynnette Combs, harpsichord, is the organist at the First Universalist Church in Barre, VT and performs regularly with numerous ensembles, including the Vermont Philharmonic.

Guest artist Andre O’Neil, baroque cello, has extensive experience as both a soloist and continuo player. In addition to performing as the principal cellist with Atlanta’s New Trinity Baroque, O’Neil has given baroque performance practice lectures and master classes at several universities.

Michelle Liechti, who plays baroque violin and viola, teaches at the Brattleboro Music Center. She also directs one of the BMC string orchestras. Michelle plays with The Arcadia Players and freelances throughout New England.

Come enjoy a unique treat at the Bennington Museum on Sunday, August 26 with this talented ensemble of musicians! The museum is located at 75 Main St. and is open daily 10-5. Closed Wednesdays. Visit www.benningtonmuseum.org for more information or cal 802-447-1571.