This program features motets by the Portuguese composer Vicente Lusitano, one of the earliest known mixed-race composers of African descent, whose works were published in his lifetime. Lusitano’s style resembles Josquin des Prez’, and is highly complex and of extraordinary beauty.

We still know very little about female composers of those times, as it was stigmatised for women to perform in public, or be known as composers. We present sacred and secular vocal and instrumental works by Maddalena Casulana (Madrigali 1570), Raffaella Aleotti (Sacrae cantiones, Venice 1593), Claudia Sessa (Canti sacri), and Claudia Francesca Rusca (Sacri Concerti), an Italian nun composer, singer, and organist.

Crescendo Vocal Ensemble is joined by Rachel Begley, dulcian and recorder, and is led by Christine Gevert from the organ

This concert will also be performed the previous day, Sat., March 1, 2025 at 4 pm at Trinity Church ~ 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT 06039

Support for these concerts has been provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature, and NBT Bank. We also thank WMHT Radio for their ongoing support.