Founded in 2004, this well-rounded biennial festival features music ranging from the Medieval to Baroque periods alongside lectures, workshops, and other events concerning dance and visual art. Each festival, a different country or cultural tradition is celebrated, with emphasis placed on performances by such local early music performers as the Folger Consort, Armonia Nova, the National Gallery Chamber Players, The Vivaldi Project, the Washington Bach Consort, and Opera Lafayette.
Although the festival occurs in even-numbered years, alternating with the larger Boston Early Music festival (odd-numbered years), both organizations hold events in “off”-years. For example, in 2009 the Washington Early Music Festival had a “Gala Concert” featuring eight performing groups in one concert evening.
Washington Early Music Festival Information
- Venues: St. Mark’s on Capitol Hill, 118 3rd Street SE; National Gallery of Art, 401 Constitution Avenue NW
- Biennial Festival: Updated information TBA
- Off-year events: Varies, includes such events as a Viol Petting Zoo for children, workshops, and a Gala Concert. Depending on the event, prices range from free to $60; student tickets, $20 or $40 depending on the concert
- Festival ticket prices: Depending on the concert, prices generally range from $5 to $20.
