A baroque ensemble named Basso Celestia is set to perform historical music at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg. The group's administrator, Leah Wenger, has played a pivotal role in organizing the event, while member Katerina Kotar brings her passion for music to the stage with her baroque cello. This performance highlights the work of two pioneering female composers from the baroque era and reflects the ensemble’s dedication to preserving and sharing lesser-known musical traditions.

The ensemble aims not only to entertain but also to educate audiences about the rich history of baroque music. Their commitment extends beyond single performances, as they strive to present learned pieces across multiple venues and communities.

Unveiling the Passion Behind the Performance

Leah Wenger, who grew up in Harrisonburg and graduated from Eastern Mennonite University, takes on dual roles as both artistic and executive director for the ensemble. Her responsibilities include program curation, venue coordination, and concert setup. Wenger emphasizes the importance of performing the same repertoire in various locations to deepen audience engagement with baroque music.

Basso Celestia was founded last year, though its members have been collaborating since 2022. Wenger recalls how the ensemble began when fellow students at Peabody Conservatory shared a mutual love for playing together. Many members are either graduates or current students of Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute, specializing in historical instruments and vocal techniques. Harpsichord player Cameron Kuzepski introduced French baroque music to the group, sparking their enthusiasm for this style. Wenger notes that despite the challenges of learning intricate pieces, the ensemble focuses on performing them repeatedly in diverse settings.

Celebrating Female Composers and Musical Exploration

Katerina Kotar, a long-time member of Basso Celestia, shares her excitement about performing works by Barbara Strozzi and Isabella Leonarda, two trailblazing Italian women composers from the baroque period. These composers were among the first to publish music under their own names, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Leonarda, born into an aristocratic family, spent much of her life in a convent yet rose to become Mother Superior while composing and publishing extensively.

The upcoming concert titled "Fire and Ice" will introduce audiences to these composers' unique sounds, characterized by rhythmic playfulness and ornamentation. Kotar looks forward to incorporating improvisational elements into each performance, enhancing the experience for both musicians and listeners alike. Beyond this tour, the ensemble envisions expanding its reach by exploring additional musical cultures such as French and Celtic traditions, along with mythological themes. They express gratitude to local supporters like Addison Walton, Dr. Brad Lehman, Jared Stutzman, and David Berry for facilitating their journey to Harrisonburg, underscoring the importance of community connections in fostering classical music appreciation.