In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured in Black Tulip & the Delights of Arcadia on Harmonia Uncut, March 30, 2020

Black Tulip & the Delights of Arcadia Hosted by Wendy Gillespie, Black Tulip was featured on WFIU Harmonia’s podcast Harmonia Uncut on March 30, 2020. The podcast featured Handel’s Pensieri notturni di Filli from a June 2018 program for the Chicago’s Musicians Club of Women at the Buchanan Chapel in Fourth Presbyterian Church’s Genevieve and Wayne Gratz Center. For more information on Harmonia Uncut,  visit https://indianapublicmedia.org/harmonia/black-tulip-and-the-delights-of-arcadia.php. For more information on Black Tulip, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BlackTulipEarlyMusic & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BlackTulipEM.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with Black Tulip on Live from WFMT, November 25, 2019

Black Tulip's Women & Power

Women & Power

Black Tulip presents ‘Women & Power’ November 25th 2019 on Live from WFMT at WFMT’s Levin Performance Studio at the Renée Crown Public Media Center. ‘Women & Power’ is a new program focusing on heroines of the ancient world, both mythological and semi-historical. You’ll hear Alessandro Scarlatti’s “Lucretia Romana,” the intense cantata depicting a Roman noblewoman whose rape and subsequent suicide led to tyranny’s overthrow; “Judith,” Sebastian Brossard’s cantata about the biblical heroine; and a portrait of the Greek Poetess Sappho by English composer John Blow. Add in dazzling instrumental music by Dietrich Buxtehude, Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Charles Mouton, and others, and you have an epic program. Black Tulip is a multinational ensemble featuring Josefien Stoppelenburg, soprano (the Netherlands), Mirja Lorenz, recorders (Germany), Phillip W. Serna, violas da gamba (US), and Joel Spears, lute and theorbo (US).

For more information on Live from WFMT,  visit https://www.wfmt.com/2019/11/25/black-tulip-3/. For more information on Black Tulipfollow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BlackTulipEarlyMusic & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BlackTulipEM.

PRESS RELEASE – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for SHATTERED GLASS – New Music for VIola da Gamba by Women Composers

On INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2019, viola da gamba performer & pedagogue Phillip Serna is joined by Mirja Lorenz, Cella Westray & Sarah Neilson in SHATTERED GLASS, a NEW MUSIC recording in collaboration with composers Sarah Angliss, Martha Bishop, Eliza Brown, Alice Chance, Emily Doolittle, Lynn Gumert, Yun Helen He, Malina Rauschenfels, Lauren Redhead, Heather Spence & Patricia Wallinga. Please consider becoming a vital partner and help AMPLIFY the accomplishments of these visionary artists, shattering more glass ceilings with a CD release in time for ​WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ​ & ​INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2020!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE https://wp.me/p2iVgu-YM
April 20, 2019

On INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2019, viola da gamba performer & pedagogue Phillip Serna was joined by Mirja Lorenz, Cella Westray & Sarah Neilson launching SHATTERED GLASS, a NEW MUSIC recording in collaboration with composers Sarah Angliss, Martha Bishop, Eliza Brown, Alice Chance, Emily Doolittle, Lynn Gumert, Helen He, Malina Rauschenfels, Lauren Redhead, Heather Spence & Patricia Wallinga. Please consider becoming a vital partner and help AMPLIFY the accomplishments of these visionary artists, shattering more glass ceilings with a CD release in time for ​WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ​ & ​INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020!

When asked about the project, Phillip Serna had this to say:

“When my daughter was born in 2008, issues of inclusivity and diversity in our field came into focus. I became keenly aware of an imbalance in the arts between what was accepted canon and the number of creative voices who couldn’t break through – women, LGBTQ, non-Western artists. It is a problem that I felt needed to be addressed through music and the arts. As I was accumulating scores in early 2009, the theme of Shattered Glass began to form – rather organically. I began to realize that if I really wanted to send a message – and a positive one of empowerment for women & young girls – that their voices mattered. I also realized I wanted to with a variety of colleagues with similar aims: promote the work of women composers spanning a wide range of age, experience and perspective. It became the work of a decade – not because I wanted it to, but because the amount of care, discussion, collaboration with many of these artists and others became a mission for me. I may be among a few passionate voices promoting works for the viola da gamba – but I knew that if I could make the vision for Shattered Glass transcend being simply being one about the viola da gamba, or about New Music, but to act as an expression for social change that this project could contribute to a higher purpose – a contribution ideals beyond that of self. That is why I advocate for the viola da gamba, for music, for the arts – because it has the power to make us see the deeper meaning in our lives and to work to better the lives of others through example. That’s why I embarked on this project 10 years ago – because I am surrounded by inspirational women in my life and know that their voices and perspectives have so much more to say than simply mine alone.”

Support us on Kickstarter http://kck.st/2TpN2QM

For tickets & more information, please visit http://violmedium.org/concerts.

Contact: Dr. Phillip W. Serna
phillip AT phillipwserna DOT com
(847) 722-2093

In addition to his double bass career as soloist, orchestral performer and chamber musician, Phillip W. Serna has emerged among the nation’s leading advocates of the viol – the viola da gamba. Co-founding the Chicago-area historical-performance ensembles Black Tulip, New Comma Baroque, ViolMedium, and the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols, he’s appeared across the United States with groups ranging from Burning River Baroque, the Chicago Early Music Consort, Les Touches, the Newberry Consort, and many others. He can be heard on WFMT Chicago, Wisconsin Public Radio, Milwaukee Public Radio, and on releases from Clarion, Cedille, and Varèse Sarabande Records. Holding Masters and Doctoral degrees from Northwestern University, Phillip teaches at Valparaiso University, North Central College, the Music Institute of Chicago, the J.S. Bach Academy of Music and is assistant director of Illinois’ first public-school period-instrument program at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Phillip has served on the faculties of the Madison Early Music Festival, the Whitewater Early Music Festival, and is the music director of Viols in Our Schools earning him Early Music America’s 2010 Laurette Goldberg Award for Early Music outreach.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with ViolMedium on WFMT’s Music in Chicago, February 22, 2019

https://wp.me/paea2U-4W

https://www.wfmt.com/2019/02/22/gambists-eric-miller-phillip-serna-play-bartok-and-abel/https://www.wfmt.com/2018/09/06/new-comma-baroque/ On February 22, 2019, WFMT presented excerpts from ViolMedium‘s February 3rd program ‘Façades & Duplicities‘ on WFMT’s Music in Chicago hosted by Lisa Lynn.  The program was performed at Emmanuel Episcopal Church of La Grange and included the Duetto in G-Major, A3:5A from the Maltzan Collection by Carl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787) & excerpts from the Duos, Sz.98 by Béla Bartók (1881-1945).

Performers: Phillip W. Serna, & Eric Miller, violas da gamba 

Often labelled as ‘the last gambist‘ and a 3rd-generation viol performer, Carl Friedrich Abel was son of Christian Ferdinand Abel, viol performer in court ensembles led by Johann Sebastian Bach. After studies in Leipzig and a post to Johann Adolf Hasse’s court orchestra in Dresden, Abel joined the London court of Queen Charlotte where he befriended Bach’s son, Johann Christian with whom he established the Bach-Abel Concerts. ViolMedium is performing the Duetto in G-Major, A3:5A from the first edition first edition edited by Sonia Wronkowska, Edition Güntersberg (www.guentersberg.de) from sources owned by Count Joachim Carl Maltzan (1733-1817) held by the Library of the Adam Mickiewicz, University in Poznań, Poland, discovered alongside twenty-seven sonatas by Abel and two previously unknown sonatas by Johann Christian Bach and Andreas Lidl. Commissioned by German violinist Erich Doflein, Béla Bartók composed his 44 Duos, Sz.98 in 1931 as a series of pedagogical pieces not unlike his Mikrokosmos (1926-1939). Bartók draws from a variety of Eastern European folk melodies & dances as per his youthful ethnomusicological travels with colleague and composer Zoltán Kodály, representing music of many eastern European oral traditions: Hungarian, Romanian, Ruthenian, Serbian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and more. The exquisite quality of the counterpoint, as well as the timbral contrasts, harmonies and melodies make these works ideal for translation to the transparent colors of violas da gamba.

For more information on  WFMT’s Music in Chicago, visit https://www.wfmt.com/programs/music-in-chicago/. For more information on ViolMedium, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ViolMedium/ & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ViolMedium.

Founded by gambists Eric Miller & Phillip Serna, the viol is the medium through which we bridge contemporary & historically-informed performance with experimental and innovative programming for violas da gamba – ViolMedium!

PRESS RELEASE – ViolMedium Launches Bold Virtuoso Programming with Façades & Duplicities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE https://wp.me/p2iVgu-Uv
January 1, 2019

VIOLMEDIUM LAUNCHES BOLD VIRTUOSO PROGRAMMING IN ST. PAUL, MADISON, MILWAUKEE & CHICAGO WITH FAÇADES & DUPLICITIES – BEGUILING CURIOSITIES & EXCURSIONS FOR DUELING GAMBAS

Madison’s Eric Miller & Chicago’s Phillip Serna  launch their new historical-performance ensemble ViolMedium with Façades & Duplicities, a multidimensional exploration of the rich harmonic, timbral and dramatic potentials offered by violas da gamba! Appearing in St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee & Chicago, this intrepid duo presents masterworks ranging from the 17th through the 20th centuries by Abel, Bartók, Finger, Marais, Sainte-Colombe, Schaffrath & more!

The Baroque Room, St. Paul, MN
Saturday, January 26, 2019 7:30PM 
Landmark Auditorium, First Unitarian Society of Madison, Madison, WI 
Friday, February 1, 2019 12:15PM
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Milwaukee, WI
Friday, February 1, 2019 7:30PM
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Madison, WI
Saturday, February 2, 2019 7:30PM
Emmanuel Episcopal Church of La Grange, La Grange, IL
Sunday, February 3, 2019 3:00PM
http://bit.ly/ViolMediumFaçadesAndDuplicities2019

For tickets & more information, please visit http://violmedium.org/concerts.

Contact: Eric Miller & Phillip Serna
info AT violmedium DOT org
(847) 722-2093

Founded by gambists Eric Miller & Phillip Serna, the viol is the medium through which we bridge contemporary & historically-informed performance with experimental and innovative programming for violas da gamba – ViolMedium!

ERIC MILLER, educator and performer, performs as a viola da gambist and cellist around the Midwest. A specialist in repertoire from the 16th through 18th centuries, Eric performs solo recitals on viola da gamba and is a member of the Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble. He also collaborates frequently with songwriters, including Indie Folk artist Katie Burns with whom he has recorded five albums. Eric is the founder and director of the Madison Youth Viol Consort, a program for students grades 8-12. In addition, Eric teaches a large private cello studio and has taught orchestra in public schools at all levels since 2009. As a classically trained cellist, Eric holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and UW-Madison where he trained with two consummate chamber musicians, Marc Johnson and Parry Karp.

In addition to his double bass career as soloist, orchestral performer and chamber musician, Phillip W. Serna has emerged among the nation’s leading advocates of the viol – the viola da gamba. Co-founding the Chicago-area historical-performance ensembles Black Tulip, New Comma Baroque, ViolMedium, and the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols, he’s appeared across the United States with groups ranging from Burning River Baroque, the Chicago Early Music Consort, Les Touches, the Newberry Consort, and many others. He can be heard on WFMT Chicago, Wisconsin Public Radio, Milwaukee Public Radio, and on releases from Clarion, Cedille, and Varèse Sarabande Records. Holding Masters and Doctoral degrees from Northwestern University, Phillip teaches at Valparaiso University, North Central College, the Music Institute of Chicago, the J.S. Bach Academy of Music and is assistant director of Illinois’ first public-school period-instrument program at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Phillip has served on the faculties of the Madison Early Music Festival, the Whitewater Early Music Festival, and is the music director of Viols in Our Schools earning him Early Music America’s 2010 Laurette Goldberg Award for Early Music outreach.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Performing the U.S. Premiere of Carl Friedrich Abel’s Concerto Violo de Gambo with the Concord Chamber Orchestra

Concord Chamber OrchestraNew Comma Baroque’s Phillip Serna joins Jamin Hoffman and the Concord Chamber Orchestra in a special collaboration presenting TWO concert works featuring the viol: Rudolph Dolmetsch’s 1941 Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra and the U.S. Premiere of Carl Friedrich Abel’s Concerto Violo de Gambo in A major!
 
Often labelled as ‘the last gambist’ and a 3rd-generation viol performer, Carl Friederich Abel (1723-1787), was son of Christian Ferdinand Abel, viol performer in court ensembles led by Johann Sebastian Bach. After studies Leipzig and a post to Johann Adolf Hasse’s court orchestra in Dresden, Abel joined the London court of Queen Charlotte where he befriended Bach’s son, Johann Christian with whom he established the Bach-Abel Concerts. Published by Edition Güntersberg in 2018, Abel’s recently-attributed Concerto Violo de Gambo in A-major is his only surviving work for viola da gamba and orchestra, discovered alongside previously unknown works by Johann Carl Graf zu Hardeck, Anton Milling, and Anton Raetzel.Other works on the program include Balakirev’s Overture on Three Russian Pieces, Harty’s Suite from Handel’s Water Music. Hindemith’s Eight Pieces for Strings, Riley’s In C and Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra.
 

For more information on the Abel’s Concerto Violo de Gambo, please visit http://www.guentersberg.de/noten/en/g328.php & for more information on Edition Guntersberg, please visit http://www.guentersberg.de/index-en.htm.

 

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Performing Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra (1941) with the Concord Chamber Orchestra

The Adlai E. Stevenson Community Orchestra Under the Direction of Enrique Vilaseco
Saturday, January 20, 2018 3:00PM, Performing Arts Center, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL https://goo.gl/ALDZnH
 
Concord Chamber OrchestraNew Comma Baroque’s Phillip Serna joins Jamin Hoffman and the Concord Chamber Orchestra in a special collaboration presenting TWO concert works featuring the viol: Rudolph Dolmetsch’s 1941 Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra and the U.S. Premiere of Carl Friedrich Abel’s Concerto Violo de Gambo in A major!

Rudolph Dolmetsch (1906-1942), second child of Early Music pioneer Arnold Dolmetsch, was an accomplished composer, keyboardist, and is regarded as the first modern viola da gamba virtuoso. After entering the Royal College of Music in 1936, Rudolph’s compositions turned from a focus on smaller chamber and solo works towards larger symphonic compositions. His Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra was completed April 21, 1941 at Elbridge Gun Site, Chichester. Tragically, it was to be among his last works as he drowned at sea when the Ceramic was torpedoed off the Azores by German forces in 1942. The Concertino was first realized by Leyton Ring for publication in 1992, received its world premiere in Newcastle, UK in 1993, published by PRB Productions in 1995 and later received its U.S. premiere by New Comma Baroque‘s Phillip Serna in 2010. Other works on the program include Balakirev’s Overture on Three Russian Pieces, Harty’s Suite from Handel’s Water Music. Hindemith’s Eight Pieces for Strings, Riley’s In C and Abel’s Concerto Violo de Gambo in A-major.

Rudolph Dolmetsch - Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra

Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra as Published by PRB Productions

For more information on the Dolmetsch Concertino, please visit http://tinyurl.com/PRBDolmetsch & for more information on PRB Productions, please visit http://www.prbmusic.com/. For more information on Rudolph Dolmetsch, the Dolmetsch family, and their pioneering work in the Early Music revival, visit http://www.dolmetsch.com/Rudolph.htm.

 

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with New Comma Baroque on WFMT’s Impromptu, September 6, 2018

New Comma Baroque Performs The Twilight Kingdom

https://wp.me/p2HlEI-vM

https://www.wfmt.com/2018/09/06/new-comma-baroque/ On September 6, 2018, WFMT presented New Comma Baroque‘s program ‘The Twilight Kingdom‘ on  WFMT’s Impromptu hosted by Kerry Frumkin.  Emmanuel Episcopal Church of La Grange‘s artists-in-residence New Comma Baroque return in a special program of rare gems from the twilight years of the viol: from Gottfried Mente and Christian Wilhelm Podbielski to the so-called ‘last gambist Carl Friedrich Abel, New Comma Baroque‘s Phillip Serna and Emily Katayama present a virtuosic exploration of late repertoire for the viola da gamba – including a newly-discovered work by Abel found in Poland in 2016!

Performers: Phillip W. Serna, viola da gamba & Emily J. Katayama, harpsichord

For more information on New Comma Baroque’s program, sample The Twilight Kingdom. For more information on WFMT’s Impromptu, visit https://www.wfmt.com/2018/09/06/new-comma-baroque/ or subscribe to WFMT’s Impromptu podcast. For more information on New Comma Baroque, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NewCommaBaroque/ & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/NewCommaBaroque.

New Comma Baroque Performs The Twilight Kingdom

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with New Comma Baroque on WWFM’s Well-Tempered Baroque with Dr. Lewis Baratz, June 15, 2018

​​New Comma Baroque - The Twilight Kingdom
 

On June 15, 2018, WWFM’s Well-Tempered Baroque with Dr. Lewis Baratz presented New Comma Baroque performing the Chaconne en trio (1709) by Jacques Morel (c.1700-1749) and the Suite in a-minor for Viola da Gamba and Continuo (1759) by Johann Gottfried Mente (1698-1760). Airing weekly on Fridays on WWFM, the Classical Network, Well-Tempered Baroque with Dr. Lewis Baratz is an Early Music radio show designed to both educate and entertain, focusing each week on a particular topic and exploring the music and performers of music written from approximately 1600 to 1750. Other Early Music artists featured on this episode include violinist Kinga Augustyn, Mark Kramer with Ars Antiqua, and La Fiocco.

New Comma Baroque: Leighann Daihl Ragusa, traverso, Phillip W. Serna, viola da gamba & Emily J. Katayama, harpsichord

For more information on New Comma Baroque, visit http://www.newcommabaroque.org/. For more information on WWFM’s Well-Tempered Baroque with Dr. Lewis Baratz, visit http://wwfm.org/programs/well-tempered-baroque-dr-lewis-baratz. For more information on New Comma Baroque, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NewCommaBaroque/ & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/NewCommaBaroque.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Performs with Black Tulip for Chicago’s Musicians Club of Women​ at Fourth Presbyterian Church’s Buchanan Chapel, June 1, 2018

Black Tulip

On June 1st 2018, Black Tulip presented a special program for Chicago’s Musicians Club of Women​ in the beautiful Buchanan Chapel in Fourth Presbyterian Church’s Genevieve and Wayne Gratz Center. Black Tulip’s Josefien Stoppelenburg, Mirja Lorenz, Phillip W. Serna & Joel Spears performed dramatic cantatas and songs for solo voice and obbligato instruments alongside virtuosic instrumental works for recorders, viols, and theorbo by Alessandro Scarlatti, Tarquinio Merula, Barbara Strozzi, Julie Pinel and George Frideric Handel.

The concert was engineered by Tom Haigh and organized by Chris Norton, Music Coordinator at Fourth Presbyterian Church. For more information on Chicago’s Musicians Club of Women​ & Fourth Presbyterian Church’s free noontime concert series, visit http://www.musiciansclubofwomen.org/http://www.fourthchurch.org/concerts/. For more information on Black Tulip, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BlackTulipEarlyMusic & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BlackTulipEM.

Black Tulip at Buchanan Chapel, June 1, 2018

Phillip Serna joins the Faculty of the VdGS 3rd Coast Workshop/ Whitewater Early Music Festival 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: https://wp.me/p2iVgu-Cp
February 4, 2018

Whitewater Early Music Festival

The VdGS 3rd Coast WorkshopWhitewater Early Music Festival 2018
June 1-3, 2018 – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast is pleased to announce our partnership with the Whitewater Early Music Festival, merging our annual workshops in order to provide more opportunities to all of our members. Organized by the Oak Park Recorder School, the festival features fantastic line up of some of the best early music teachers in all the USA! Whitewater Early Music Festival is a mixed-instrument workshop featuring classes for all levels from beginning to advanced: from recorders to reeds and wind band instruments (inc. crumhorns, racketts, shawms & sackbutts), viol consorts, and voices. There will be vendor exhibits, informal late-night playing sessions, an all-festival ending concert, and so much more. Workshop pitch will be A415 with Gayle Neuman leading a Friday-night session for recorders and viols alongside programming led by viola da gamba faculty Kate Shuldiner, Phillip Serna & Lisa Terry. Come for the weekend and leave with a lifetime of music friends. What could be better?! 

Workshop Address: The Greenhill Center of the Arts, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 https://goo.gl/maps/uUzuUf8SCDP2

Registration opens March 2018. For programming & scholarship opportunities, visit http://www.whitewaterearlymusic.org/

For more information on viola da gamba activities in greater Chicago-land, please visit the Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast at http://www.vdgs3rdcoast.org/.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Performing Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra (1941) with the Stevenson Community Orchestra

The Adlai E. Stevenson Community Orchestra Under the Direction of Enrique Vilaseco
Saturday, January 20, 2018 3:00PM, Performing Arts Center, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL https://goo.gl/ALDZnH

Rudolph Dolmetsch (1906-1942), second child of Early Music pioneer Arnold Dolmetsch, was an accomplished composer, keyboardist, and is regarded as the first modern viola da gamba virtuoso. After entering the Royal College of Music in 1936, Rudolph’s compositions turned from a focus on smaller chamber and solo works towards larger symphonic compositions. His Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra was completed April 21, 1941 at Elbridge Gun Site, Chichester. Tragically, it was to be among his last works as he drowned at sea when the Ceramic was torpedoed off the Azores by German forces in 1942. The Concertino was first realized by Leyton Ring for publication in 1992, received its world premiere in Newcastle, UK in 1993, published by PRB Productions in 1995 and later received its U.S. premiere by New Comma Baroque‘s Phillip Serna in 2010.

Rudolph Dolmetsch - Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra

Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra as Published by PRB Productions

For more information on the Dolmetsch Concertino, please visit http://tinyurl.com/PRBDolmetsch & for more information on PRB Productions, please visit http://www.prbmusic.com/. For more information on Rudolph Dolmetsch, the Dolmetsch family, and their pioneering work in the Early Music revival, visit http://www.dolmetsch.com/Rudolph.htm.

 

PRESS RELEASE – The Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols Returns with a Special Program in Honor of Narodowego Święta Niepodległości/ Polish National Independence Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEhttp://wp.me/p2nIqI-31
October 4, 2017

The Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols Returns with a Special Program in Honor of Narodowego Święta Niepodległości/ Polish National Independence Day

The 17th century was filled with dramatic political and artistic turmoil in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. From the Dresden-influenced Chapel Royal in Warsaw to the rise of Poland’s own native masters, instrumental music began its ascension as evidenced through the viola bastarda compositions of Adam Jarzębski. Beginning his career at the court of John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg in Berlin, Jarzębski would become a major musical figure in the courts of Sigismund III Vasa and Władysław IV. Examining this unique and virtually unknown repertoire, the Spirit of Gambo presents a virtuoso program of music from Jarzębski’s 1627 Canzoni é Concerti.

The Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols – Jennifer Barron, Kyle Besetzny, Phillip W. Serna & Cella Westray, viols & Andrew Fredel, organ

Saint James Chapel at The Quigley Center’s Second Sunday Series
Saint James Chapel, The Quigley Center of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Saturday, November 11, 2017 2:00PM
https://goo.gl/qb1Vd8
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The Spirit of Gambo is a Chicago-area viol consort founded by Ken Perlow, Phillip Serna & Russell Wagner in 2006. We are a versatile chamber group focusing on the rich consort repertoire for violas da gamba – from early works of the 15th-century, to the rich English consort traditions of 16th & 17th-century, to varied continental styles and complex virtuosic works, to challenging contemporary music for viols as well. Our membership consists of prominent historically-informed performance scholars and pedagogues alongside performers representing a variety of period-instrument ensembles around the greater Midwest.

“I Doe not studie Eloquence, or profess Musicke, although I doe love Sence, and affect Harmony: my Profession being, as my Education hath beene, Armes, the onely effeminate part of me, hath beene Musicke; which in mee hath beene alwayes Generous, because never Mercenarie. To prayse Musicke, were to say, the Sunne is bright. To extoll my selfe, would name my labors vaine glorious. Onely this, my studies are far from servile imitations, I robbe no others inventions, I take no Italian Note to an English dittie, or filch fragments of Songs to stuffe out my volumes. There are mine own Phansies expressed by my proper Genius, which if thou dost dislike, let me see thine…”

– Captaine Tobias Hume, Composer of the the Spirit of Gambo, from the Musicall Humours (1605) –

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with Black Tulip on Live from WFMT, May 1, 2017

Black Tulip

Tulipmania -Music, Art, Politics, and Society in the Dutch Golden Age

Black Tulip presents ‘Tulipmania’ May 1st 2017 on Live from WFMT at WFMT’s Levin Performance Studio at the Renée Crown Public Media Center. Tulipmania looks at the cultural and political events during the peak of Dutch power during the 17th and early 18th centuries. The Dutch protestant north was a bastion of religious tolerance and personal freedom, while the rest of the continent was embroiled in civil wars, and the disastrous 30-Year’s War. The new-found prosperity of this emerging capitalist society encouraged the development of the arts, and provided a large and receptive market for the musical and artistic productions of other countries as well. Experience music of native composers as well as foreign composers who were well known is the Low Countries. Tulipmania was a period in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for bulbs of the recently introduced tulip reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed.

For more information on Live from WFMT, visit http://blogs.wfmt.com/livefromwfmt/2017/05/01/black-tulip/. For more information on Black Tulip, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BlackTulipEarlyMusic & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BlackTulipEM.

PRESS RELEASE – New Comma Baroque Presents Phillip Serna Performing Somewhere in Time: Telemann’s ‘Lost’ 12 Fantasias for Solo Viol, 1735

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEhttp://wp.me/p2iVgu-vf
February 19, 2017

New Comma Baroque Presents Phillip Serna Performing Somewhere in Time: Telemann’s ‘Lost’ 12 Fantasias for Solo Viol, 1735

Located in 2014 by Thomas Fritzsch, a copy of Telemann’s self-published 1735 fantasias for viola da gamba survived near Hanover at Ledenburg Palace in the collection of Eleonore von Münster (née von Grothaus, 1734-1794). Dedicated to musical subscriber Mr. Pierre Chaunell (1703-1789) and published in a period when the viol was already out of fashion in Europe, Telemann’s unique fantasias encompass a plethora of forms – both old and new, inspired by the Polish and Moravian music of his early career, filled with techniques spanning fugal writing to elements of the rondo and concerto, straddling the High Baroque and the galant. As part of Early Music America‘s Early Music Month 2017and Réseau Européen de Musique Ancienne/ European Early Music Network’s European Day of Early Music 2017, join New Comma Baroque’s Phillip Serna honoring the 250th anniversary of Telemann’s death! There’s Bach in the Subways, and now there’s TeleMannia!

[column-group][column]Telemannia: The Complete Viol Fantasias – Early Music Month 2017 – The Trinity Concert Series
Trinity Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL
Friday, March 10, 2017 7:00PM
Free and Open to the Public
http://goo.gl/5GGfUF
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Telemannia: The Complete Viol Fantasias – Early Music Month 2017 – Mercy Conference and Retreat Center
Mercy Center Chapel, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center, St. Louis, MO
Sunday, March 12, 2017 2:00PM
Freewill Offering
http://goo.gl/me8HL1
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[/column][column]TeleMannia: The Complete Viol Fantasias – Early Music Month 2017 – North Central College Fine and Performing Arts Series
Roy Y. & Margaret Koten Chapel at the Ben & Bess Kiekhofer Hall
North Central College, Naperville, IL
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 7:00PM
Free and Open to the Public
https://goo.gl/XZwa9z
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TeleMannia: The Complete Viol Fantasias – European Day of Early Music & Early Music Month 2017 – Valparaiso University Department of Music Faculty Series
Duesenberg Recital Hall, Valparaiso University Center for the Arts
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 7:30PM
Free and Open to the Public
https://goo.gl/GdCenU
Worldwide livestreaming at – https://www.facebook.com/TeleMannia/
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[/column][/column-group]

Dr. Phillip W. Serna - Performer & Teacher of Double Bass & Violas da Gamba

PHILLIP W. SERNA performs on double bass with numerous Midwest orchestras as well as on violas da gamba with period-instrument Early Music ensembles including Black Tulip, Burning River Baroque, New Comma Baroque, the Newberry Consort of Viols, the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols, and many others. He has appeared on WFMT Chicago 98.7FM, Wisconsin Public Radio WPR, Milwaukee Public Radio 98.7FM, and 91.9FM WUIS Public Radio and can be heard on film scores by Andrew Edwards, Scott Glasgow, and Kubilay Üner alongside CD releases from Clarion, Cedille, Soundbyte and Varèse Sarabande Records. As a soloist, Dr. Serna was the 1st American gambist to perform all of Telemann’s newly-discovered 1735 Viola da Gamba Fantasias in 2017, performing Johann Gottlieb Graun’s Concerto for Violin & Viola da Gamba in 2014, performing the U.S. premiere of Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra in 2012, and continuing to premiere concerti, perform recitals and championing a variety of new works for the viol. Phillip maintains a private teaching studio stretching across the greater Chicago-area where he teaches double bass and viola da gamba at Valparaiso University, double bass at North Central College, viola da gamba and viol consort at the Music Institute of Chicago, is assistant director and sponsor of viol consorts and Illinois’ first public-school period-instrument Baroque ensemble and viol consort at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Committed to community engagement and educational outreach, Phillip is founder and music director of Viols in Our Schools, an Early Music program whose impact earned him Early Music America’s Outreach Award in 2010 and their Early Music Month prize for 2016. Phillip holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Masters and Doctorate degrees from Northwestern University School of Music where he studied viola da gamba with Newberry Consort founder Mary Springfels.

Phillip Serna performs on a 7-string bass viol ‘Natalia La Reveuse – The Dreamer’ (after Colichon) by Jane Julier, Devon, UK, #129, 2007.

Sample Telemann’s Fantasia No.6 in G-Major (1735), TWV 40:31 https://soundcloud.com/phillipwserna/georg-philipp-telemann-1681-1767-fantasia-no6-in-g-major-1735-twv-4031

New Comma Baroque has gained a reputation for combining education and fun through their inventive programming. The ensemble has been praised for their “gusto” and “lively and intense performances” (John W. Barker, Isthmus, The Daily Page), playing across the Midwest, in addition to Boston and New York City.

New Comma Baroque is a program of the Renovo Music Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization. More information can be found at www.newcommabaroque.org and www.renovomusicalliance.org.

TeleMannia

PRESS RELEASE – New Comma Baroque Presents From Prussia with Love – Virtuosity at the Court of Frederick the Great

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – http://wp.me/p2HlEI-oA 
February 19, 2017

From Prussia with Love

New Comma Baroque Presents From Prussia with Love – Virtuosity at the Court of Frederick the Great

Early Music Month 2017As part of Early Music America‘s Early Music Month 2017New Comma Baroque celebrates our 1st season as artists-in-residence at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with an exploration of music-making at the court of Frederick the Great with a virtuosic program featuring works by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach alongside gems by Karl Heinrich Graun, Johann Christian Hertel, Ernst Christian Hesse and Johann Joachim Quantz.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, La Grange, IL
Sunday, March 19, 2017 3:00PM
https://goo.gl/3nwMRp
$20 General Admission, $15 Seniors, $10 Students, Free Under 18
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General admission tickets are $20, with special rates for seniors and students.

New Comma Baroque has gained a reputation for combining education and fun through their inventive programming. The ensemble has been praised for their “gusto” and “lively and intense performances” (John W. Barker, Isthmus, The Daily Page), playing across the Midwest, in addition to Boston and New York City.

New Comma Baroque is a program of the Renovo Music Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization. More information can be found at www.newcommabaroque.org and www.renovomusicalliance.org.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with New Comma Baroque on Live from WFMT, January 30, 2017

Georg Philipp Telemann

On January 30, 2017, WFMT presented New Comma Baroque’s program ‘Telemann’s Travels: The Eclecticism, Diversity, and Virtuosity of Telemann‘ on Live from WFMT hosted by Kerry Frumkin.  Telemann’s Travels is a delightful and delectable journey through vividly virtuosic solo & chamber music, filled with French, Italian, German and Polish flavors, encapsulating the travels of one of the 18th century’s most prolific composers: Georg Philipp Telemann. Telemann’s Travels features selections of some of the composer’s most well-known works for Baroque flute, Baroque violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, including music from Der getreue Music-Meister (Hamburg, 1728 -29), the Six quatuors a violon, flute, viole ou violoncello et basse continue (Hamburg, 1730, Paris, 1736), the Nouveaux quatuors en six suites a une flute traversiere, un violon, une basse de viole ou violoncelle et basse (Paris, 1738), the Essercizii Musici overo Dodesci Soli e Dodeci Trii à diversi stromenti (Hamburg, before 1740), and excerpts from the newly-discovered Fantasias for solo viol – not heard since the 1730s!

Performers: Leighann Daihl Ragusa, traverso, Matthew C. Cataldi, Baroque violin, Phillip W. Serna, viola da gamba & Emily J. Katayama, harpsichord

For more information on New Comma Baroque’s program, sample Telemann’s Travels: The Eclecticism, Diversity, and Virtuosity of Telemann. For more information on Live from WFMT, visit http://blogs.wfmt.com/livefromwfmt/2017/01/30/new-comma-baroque-perform-telemann/. For more information on New Comma Baroque, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NewCommaBaroque/ & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/NewCommaBaroque.

PRESS RELEASE – New Comma Baroque Presents Winter Revelry – A New Comma Baroque Christmas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2016

Winter Revelry – A New Comma Baroque Christmas

New Comma Baroque celebrates our first season as as artists-in-residence at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with a special program of Baroque holiday music by Bach, Buxtehude, Scarlatti, Ziani and so much more! Joining Leighann Daihl Ragusa (traverso), Phillip W. Serna (viola da gamba), and Emily Jane Katayama (harpsichord) are guests Amy Bearden (alto) of the Marion Consort and Katherine Shuldiner (viola da gamba). New Comma Baroque’s Winter Revelry is not to be missed!

General admission tickets are $20, with special rates for seniors and students.

New Comma Baroque has gained a reputation for combining education and fun through their inventive programming. The ensemble has been praised for their “gusto” and “lively and intense performances” (John W. Barker, Isthmus, The Daily Page), playing across the Midwest, in addition to Boston and New York City.

New Comma Baroque is a program of the Renovo Music Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization. More information can be found at www.newcommabaroque.org and www.renovomusicalliance.org.

AMY BEARDEN, Guest Artist, alto

Amy Bearden - alto; theorboAMY BEARDEN holds a masters degree in Early Music Voice from the Early Music Institute of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. There, she studied voice with Paul Elliott, a renowned tenor and founding member of the Hilliard Ensemble. At Indiana, Amy focused on Medieval and Renaissance music studying both history and performance. In Chicago, Amy is the Artistic Director and Founder of The Marion Consort, a premier early music ensemble. In addition to Marion, Amy is a sought after choral artist who has performed with Texas Early Music Project in Austin, Texas and is on staff of the Amherst Early Music Festival in New London, Connecticut. Amy also holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Currently, Amy teaches K-8 General Music in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago.

KATHERINE SHULDINER, Guest Artist, viola da gamba

Katherine Shuldiner - viola da gambaKATHERINE SHULDINER graduated from Oberlin Conservatory in viola da gamba performance under the tutelage of Catharina Meints. She has performed with Chicago based ensembles such as BBE: Bach and Beethoven Ensemble, Vox 3 Collective, and continues to perform with The Newberry Consort. Nationally, Katherine has performed with Washington Bach Consort, La Follia Austin Baroque, as well as performing Bach’s Saint Matthew’s Passion with Bel Canto Chorus and the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra. Katherine is becoming a fixture in the Chicago baroque music scene, performing with Chicago based musicians such as Rachel Barton Pine, Mark Shuldiner, David Walker, and more. Ms. Shuldiner served a two year term on the board of the Viola da Gamba Society of America and was chosen to perform in the first Early Music America’s Young Performers Festival during Boston Early Music Festival. When Katherine is not performing, she enjoys teaching the viola da gamba to children and adults alike. She has taught at Madison Early Music Festival, Whitewater Early Music Festival, and throughout the year teaches the viol at Nettlehorst Elementary School in Chicago.

PRESS RELEASE – New Comma Baroque Announces Residency at Emmanuel Episcopal Church of La Grange

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 27, 2016

New Comma Baroque at Emmanuel Episcopal Church of LaGrange New Comma Baroque, the Chicago-based early music ensemble, is honored to announce its residency at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in La Grange. The partnership signifies the ensemble’s dedication to bringing music directly into the communities, as well as making historically informed performance accessible to audiences.

“Words cannot convey our enthusiasm about this exciting opportunity at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. We are grateful to expand our relationship with music director George Tarasuk, seeing this as a wonderful opportunity to expose audiences to historically-informed performance on period instruments. We are pleased to contribute to a such a musically vibrant community as we have here at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, ” Dr. Phillip W. Serna, New Comma Baroque’s viola da gambist and coordinator said. Agreed George Tarasuk, Director of Music at Emmanuel Episcopal, “This partnership will greatly enhance Emmanuel’s commitment to the arts. Besides adding beauty to our worship, New Comma Baroque will widen Emmanuel’s performance offerings to the community and greatly complement our Kensington Art Center’s String program for neighborhood youth.” 

As Artists-in-Residence, New Comma Baroque will present “Winter Revelry,” a Christmas concert, on Sunday, December 18 at 3:00PM and “From Prussia with Love: Virtuosity from the Court of Frederick the Great” on Sunday March 19, 2017 at 3:00PM

Winter Revelry – A New Comma Baroque Christmas

New Comma Baroque has gained a reputation for combining education and fun through their inventive programming. The ensemble has been praised for their “gusto” and “lively and intense performances” (John W. Barker, Isthmus, The Daily Page), playing across the Midwest, in addition to Boston and New York City.

New Comma Baroque is a program of the Renovo Music Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization. More information can be found at www.newcommabaroque.org and www.renovomusicalliance.org.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with Burning River Baroque on WCLV 104.9 Ideastream, November 9,2016

Twisted Fate - Famed and Forgotten Female Composers

On November 9th, 2016, Cleveland’s WCLV 104.9 broadcast Burning River Baroque’s Music from the Western Reserve program “Twisted Fate: Famed and Forgotten Female Composers” on their program Cleveland Ovations:

The history of western art music predominantly focuses on the lives and works of male teachers, composers, and performers. In eras when women rarely had access to the same educational and professional opportunities as their male colleagues, it can be easy to presume that women were simply not as productive and successful in the field. A closer look at history, however, reveals that some women in the past were able to rise above the gender restrictions placed on them and achieved great success as professional musicians. Others led more private professional lives cloistered in abbeys and composing for their fellow sisters. Burning River Baroque will present a program that blends works of both the famous and forgotten female composers from antiquity to the present, including Hildegard von Bingen, Jacquet de la Guerre, Princess Anna Amalia, Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, Barbara Strozzi, Isabella Leonarda, and Martha Bishop. “Twisted Fate: Famed and Forgotten Female Composers” will explore the ways in which historical circumstances twisted the lives of some women into the spotlight and others into the shadows as well as their diverse portrayals of female characters.

Performers: Josefien Stoppelenburg, soprano, Malina Rauschenfels,  Phillip W. Serna, viola da gamba & Paula Maust, harpsichord & organ

 

For more information on Burning River Baroque’s Music from the Western Reserve program “Twisted Fate: Famed and Forgotten Female Composers,” visit http://www.burning-river-baroque.org/. For more information about Cleveland’s WCLV 104.9 Ideastream and Cleveland Ovations, please visit http://www.ideastream.org/programs/cleveland-ovations.

Burning River Baroque

Special Concerts – June 3, 2016 – The Nymphs of the Rhine

VdGS 3rd Coast – Special Benefit Concert: The Nymphs of the Rhine

Thanks to the Viola da Gamba Society of America (VdGSA)‘s Consort Loan Program, Phillip Serna partnered with Naperville North High School orchestra director Dana Green to start a viol consort program in Chicago’s western suburbs. In an effort to engage the community, raise awareness about that work in schools, the Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast (VdGS Third Coast), New Comma Baroque‘s Phillip Serna, the Naperville North High School Department of Music, and Grounds for Hope Café at Trinity Lutheran Church presented a benefit concert to raise money to purchase viols showcasing viol players from across the Midwest – and indeed the country – in an ambitious marathon of Johannes Schenck’s complete ‘Nymphs of the Rhine’ – Le Nymphe di Rheno, Op.8 for 2 Bass Viols.

Performers: Mary Anne Ballard (Baltimore Consort, Galileo’s Daughters, et al), Russell Bookout, James Lambert (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Catacoustic Consort), Eric Miller (Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble), Gail Ann Schroeder (Baroque and Beyond, Columbia Baroque, et al), & Phillip Serna (New Comma Baroque, Black Tulip, et al), bass viols

Press Release – The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast Presents 2 Concerts Memorial Day Weekend 5/29

Press Release – The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast Presents 2 Concerts Memorial Day Weekend 5/29

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast Presents 2 Concerts Memorial Day Weekend 5/29

May 19, 2016

http://wp.me/p523ug-36

The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast presents 2 special programs May 29th in the Music Institute of Chicago’s beautiful Nichols Concert Hall: The Third Coast Viols (our Memorial Day Workshop faculty with the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols) will perform music by Taverner, Tye, Tallis, Byrd, Picforth, Ferrabosco, Gibbons, Jenkins, Lawes & Purcell alongside contemporary works by Martha Bishop, Patrice Connelly and the premiere of Will Ayton’s Fantasy á4 on “In Nomine” (2015). Additionally, the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols will present a special 10th anniversary mini-concert of intimate settings for 1-3 viols including music by Martha Bishop, David Goldstein, Thomas Tomkins and others.

Performers: The Spirit of Gambo, a Chicago Consort of Viols & Friends – David Douglass, Ken Perlow, Gail Ann Schroeder, Phillip Serna, Kate Shuldiner, Connie Strait, & Russell Wagner, viols

Contact:

Dr. Phillip W. Serna, president
The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast
847.722.2093
concerts@vdgs3rdcoast.org
http://www.vdgs3rdcoast.org/

For more information on viola da gamba activities in greater Chicago-land, please visit the Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast at http://vdgs3rdcoast.org/3rdcoastconcerts/.

VdGS 3rd Coast - The Third Coast Viols in Concert: In Nomine - Viol Consorts from Taverner to Purcell & Beyond

The Third Coast Viols in Concert: In Nomine – Viol Consorts from Taverner to Purcell & Beyond  http://on.fb.me/1jDGczS
Sunday, May 29, 2016 7:30PM, Nichols Concert Hall, The Music Institute of Chicago, Evanston, IL | $20 General Admission, $10 Students
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VdGS 3rd Coast - Concert Banners MIni Nomine 5.29.2016

The Spirit of Gambo, a Chicago Consort of Viols – M(in)i Nomine http://on.fb.me/1TGBOgJ
Sunday, May 29, 2016 6:30PM, Nichols Concert Hall Lobby, The Music Institute of Chicago, Evanston, IL | Free
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Press Release – Viola da Gamba Benefit Concert for Naperville North Viols Featuring Johannes Schenck’s Nymphs of the Rhine 6/3

VdGS 3rd Coast – Special Benefit Concert: The Nymphs of the Rhine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Special Early Music Benefit Concert for Naperville North Viols Attracts High-Profile Guest Artists from Across the Country Performing the Virtuoso Nymphs of the Rhine for Violas da Gamba by Johannes Schenck

May 19, 2016

http://wp.me/a2iVgu-nM

Thanks to the Viola da Gamba Society of America (VdGSA)’s Consort Loan Program, Phillip Serna is partnering with Naperville North High School orchestra director Dana Green to start a viol consort program in Chicago’s western suburbs. However, we need YOUR help! In an effort to engage the community, raise awareness about our work, we are holding a benefit concert to raise money to purchase viols once the loan period is exhausted. The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast (VdGS Third Coast), New Comma Baroque’s Phillip Serna, the Naperville North High School Department of Music, and Grounds for Hope Cafe at Trinity Lutheran Church will present a showcase attracting top viol players from across the Midwest – and indeed the country – to marathon Schenck’s complete Nymphs of the Rhine. Please help us build a presence for Early Music in the western suburbs and consider giving!

Performers: Mary Anne Ballard (Baltimore Consort, Galileo’s Daughters, et al), Russell Bookout, James Lambert (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Catacoustic Consort), Eric Miller (Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble), Gail Ann Schroeder (Baroque and Beyond, Columbia Baroque, et al), & Phillip Serna (New Comma Baroque, Black Tulip, et al), bass viols

VdGS 3rd Coast – Special Benefit Concert: The Nymphs of the Rhine  http://on.fb.me/1QhTBw2 http://wp.me/p523ug-35 
Friday, June 3, 2016 7:00PM, 
Grounds for Hope Café at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle, ILFreewill Offering
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Contact:

Dr. Phillip W. Serna, president
The Viola da Gamba Society 3rd Coast
847.722.2093
concerts@vdgs3rdcoast.org
http://www.vdgs3rdcoast.org/

Nymphs of the Rhine 6.3.2016 - Bottom

Press Release – Phillip Serna Performs ‘The Viola da Gamba UNLEASHED’ at Classical Revolution Chicago’s Constellation Series 11/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Classical Revolution Presents Viola da Gamba Unleashed at ConstellationNovember 6, 2015

Classical Revolution Chicago Constellation Series – http://www.constellation-chicago.com/event/958373-classical-revolution-phillip-chicago/

November 25th, Phillip Serna joins Classical Revolution Chicago’s Series at Constellation Chicago in a riveting program, the “Viola da gamba UNLEASHED!” Indulge in a flavorful mixology of stunning music by Carl Friedrich Abel, Rudolph Dolmetsch, Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe alongside the virtuosic Serna Suite (2009) by Martha Bishop, Distilled (2010) by Eliza Brown, Undercurrents (2010) by Lynn Gumert, and a few surprises beyond!

Join us afterwards for Classical Revolution Chicago’s open sight-reading jam session with music by Johann Pfeiffer & Georg Philipp Telemann!

From Constellation Chicago’s website:

Classical Revolution Chicago brings chamber music out of the concert hall and into the neighborhoods of Chicago. One popular venture has been the open sight-reading jam session. CR is excited to bring this fun and community-building series to Constellation.

Phillip Serna performs on double bass with many Midwestern orchestras as well as on viola da gambas with ensembles including Black Tulip, Burning River Baroque, Harmonie, the Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra, New Comma Baroque, the Newberry Consort of Viols, the Secret of the Muses, the Spirit of Gambo, and many others. Phillip has appeared on Chicago’s 98.7FM WFMT, Wisconsin Public Radio, Milwaukee Public Radio and WUIS NPR and can be heard on CD releases from Clarion, Cedille, Soundbyte and Varèse Sarabande Records. Holding Masters and Doctoral degrees from Northwestern University, Phillip teaches double bass and viola da gamba at Valparaiso University, viola da gamba and viol consort at the Music Institute of Chicago, is assistant director & sponsor of viol consorts and Illinois’ first public-school period-instrument Baroque ensemble at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, and is music director of the Early Music outreach program Viols in Our Schools – which earned him Early Music America’s Outreach Award for 2010.

“smooth & polished…” – Centerstage.net

Classical Revolution Chicago Constellation Series
Constellation, 3111 North. Western, Chicago, IL 60618
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 6:00 PM
http://on.fb.me/1Nkt6TC
Free Admission, 18 and Over Only

For a comprehensive listing of all concerts performed by Phillip Serna, please visit www.phillipwserna.com/concerts.

Contact:

Dr. Phillip W. Serna
847.722.2093
phillip@phillipwserna.com
https://www.phillipwserna.com/

In the News – Viols in Our Schools’ Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured on A Tempo with Rachel Katz on WWFM, October 10, 2015

Phillip Serna - Viola da Gamba 2015 - Alex BelisleOn October 10th 2015, Dr. Phillip W. Serna was interviewed on  WWFM Classical‘s current-events program A Tempo with Rachel Katz discussing his outreach program ‘Viols in Our Schools.’ During the program, Dr. Serna also discussed New Comma Baroque, the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols, Adlai E. Stevenston High School’s Baroque Ensemble & Viol Consort, as well as endeavors to expand access to viols at Naperville North High School thanks to the VdGSA‘s consort loan program.

From WWFM Classical‘s A Tempo with Rachel Katz:

October 10

Guests: Phillip W. Serna, Founder, Viols in our Schools; Jason Tramm, Artistic Director, Mid-Atlantic Opera.”

To download the interview, click here. For more information about A Tempo with Rachel Katz, visit http://www.wwfm.org/webcasts_katz.shtml. For Viols in Our Schools, please visit http://www.violsinourschools.org/.

The photo above was taken by photographer Alex Belisle.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with Black Tulip on Live from WFMT, May 11, 2015

Black TulipLet Us Howl!

Black Tulip presented ‘Let Us Howl!’ May 11th, 2015 on Live from WFMT at WFMT’s Levin Performance Studio in an exciting and virtuosic program of works by Bartoloméo da Selma y Salaverde, Carolus Hacquart, George Frideric Handel, Robert Johnson, Nicola Matteis, Henry Purcell, Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Antonio Vivaldi!

For more information on Live from WFMT, visit http://blogs.wfmt.com/livefromwfmt/2015/05/11/joel-spears-lute-et-al-with-soprano-in-a-baroque-program/. For more information on Black Tulip, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BlackTulipEarlyMusic & on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/BlackTulipEM

 

Presentation – I.S.B. Convention 2013 – Making Your Baroque Solos More H.I.P. – Phillip W. Serna

The post Making Your Baroque Solos More H.I.P. – Phillip W. Serna appeared first on ISB Convention/ ISB Connect on September 4th, 2013.  The following video represents Dr. Phillip Serna’s June 7th presentation for the 2013 International Society of Bassists Convention Historically Informed Performance Symposium at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY. To find out more about the International Society of Bassists and it’s many educational resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the International Society of Bassists and the ISB Convention/ ISB Connect websites.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured with New Comma Baroque on WUIS Public Radio, June 12, 2013

WUIS/ NPR from the Suggs Performance Studio - New Comma Baroque, May 30th, 2013

On June 12th, 2013, WUIS Springfield released Karl Scroggin’s May 30th preview performance of New Comma Baroque’s Peoria Bach Festival program ‘Telemann’s Travels: The Eclecticism, Diversity, and Virtuosity of Telemann‘ via iTunes.  This performance includes Telemann’s  Quartet No.2 in a-minor from Nouveaux quatuors en six suites a une flute traversiere, un violon, une basse de viole ou violoncelle et basse (Paris, 1738), the delightful “Gulliver’s Travels” Suite for Two Violins,  the Concerto No.2 in D-Major, TWV 43:D1 from Six quatuors a violon, flute, viole ou violoncello et basse continue (Hamburg, 1730, Paris 1736),  the Fantasie in C-Major for Harpsichord, TWV 33:14, the Fantasia No.7 in D-Major for Flute without Bass, TWV 40:2-13 and the Concerto No.2 in D-Major, TWV 43:D1 from Six quatuors a violon, flute, viole ou violoncello et basse continue (Hamburg, 1730, Paris, 1736).

Performers: Matthew C. Cataldi & Peter Lekx, Baroque violins, Leighann R. Daihl, traverso, Phillip W. Serna, viola da gamba & Emily J. Katayama, harpsichord

For more information on New Comma Baroque’s program, sample Telemann’s Travels: The Eclecticism, Diversity, and Virtuosity of Telemann. For more information about WUIS Springfield, please visit http://www.wuis.org/.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Joins the Adlai E. Stevenson High School Period Instrument Baroque Ensemble at the 67th Annual Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference 2013

Adlai E. Stevenson High School Baroque Ensemble with Dr. Phillip W. Serna & Director Enrique Vilaseco

Dr. Phillip W. Serna joins director Enrique Vilaseco and the Adlai E. Stevenson High School Period-Instrument Baroque Ensemble for a clinic at the 67th Annual Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL taking place December 18-21, 2013. The clinic, “The Making of H.I.P. (Historically-Informed Performance) Performers for the 21st Century,” will highlight Stevenson High School’s unique group of historically-informed performers featuring soloist and ensemble performances on Baroque strings and keyboards, demonstrating how performance practice can be taught at the high school level.

For detailed information on all of the events taking place at the Midwest Clinic, visit http://www.midwestclinic.org/. For information about Adlai E. Stevenson High School, director Enrique Vilaseco & their Period Instrument Baroque Ensemble, visit http://www.d125.org/clubs_and_activities/baroque_ensemble.aspx.

For information on New Comma Baroque’s collaborations with the Stevenson HS Baroque Ensemble, concerts & programs, visit  http://www.newcommabaroque.org/.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured on WUIS/ NPR, March 4th, 2013

WUIS/ NPR from the Suggs Performance  Studio - Phillip Serna And The Viola Da Gamba, March 4th, 2013

On March 4th, 2013, WUIS Springfield released Karl Scroggin’s November 5, 2012 interview and performance with Dr. Phillip W. Serna, entitled “Phillip Serna and the Viola Da Gamba” recorded in WUIS’ Suggs Performance  Studio.

To read the complete article or listen to Karl Scroggin’s interview and performance by Phillip W. Serna, please click here. For more information about WUIS Springfield, visit http://www.wuis.org/.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Joins the Adlai E. Stevenson High School Period Instrument Baroque Ensemble at the Illinois Music Educators Association Conference 2013

2013 Illinois Music Education Conference - Music in the Key of Change

On January 25th, Dr. Phillip W. Serna will join director Enrique Vilaseco and the Adlai E. Stevenson High School Period-Instrument Baroque Ensemble for a clinic and performance at the 2013 Illinois Music Educators Association Conference ‘Music in the Key of Change’ at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL.

The morning clinic will highlight Stevenson High School’s unique group of historically-informed performers featuring soloist and ensemble performances on Baroque strings and keyboards, demonstrating how performance practice can be taught at the high school level. This clinic will occur 9:30-10:45 a.m. in CC-212/213. Later in the afternoon, Serna will join the ensemble in a program of J.S. Bach, Arcangelo Corelli, Antonio Vivaldi and a Concert Suite by Georg Philipp Telemann for Viola da Gamba, Strings & Continuo. This concert will be presented at the Peoria Civic Center in CC-134 from 2-3:15 p.m.

For detailed information on all of the events taking place at the Illinois Music Educators Association Conference, please click here. For information about Adlai E. Stevenson High School, director Enrique Vilaseco & their Period Instrument Baroque Ensemble, visit http://www.d125.org/clubs_and_activities/baroque_ensemble.aspx.

For information on New Comma Baroque’s collaborations with the Stevenson HS Baroque Ensemble, concerts & programs, visit  http://www.newcommabaroque.org/.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition, August 4th, 2012

NPR's Weekend Edition, August 4, 2012 - Gathering Of The Viols: The 50th Annual Viola Da Gamba Conclave

On August 4, 2012, Dr. Phillip W. Serna was featured as part of Jeff Lunden’s piece “Gathering Of The Viols: The 50th Annual Viola Da Gamba Conclave” covering the 50th Conclave of the Viola da Gamba Society of America.

“Viola da gamba players are a special breed — a tiny subset in the already small world of early classical music. They rarely meet their own kind, but once a year they come together for a week in July at an annual jam session they call a conclave…”

To read the complete article or listen to Jeff Lunden’s piece, please click here. For more information about NPR, visit http://www.npr.org/. For the Viola da Gamba Society of America, visit http://www.vdgsa.org/.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna to Perform US Premiere of Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra (1941)

Rudolph Dolmetsch - Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra

Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra as Published by PRB Productions

The South Shore Orchestra, under the direction of Troy Webdell is joined by viola da gamba soloist Dr. Phillip Serna for the US premiere of Rudolph Dolmetsch’s Concertino for Viola da Gamba and Small Orchestra (1941). This program will occur October 5, 2012 at 7:00PM at Ivy Tech College in Valparaiso, IN . Also included on the program is the premiere of Michael Schelle’s “Exorcism of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and Beethoven Symphony No. 7.

Rudolph Dolmetsch (1906-1942), second child of Arnold Dolmetsch, completed his Concertino April 21, 1941 at Elbridge Gun Site, Chichester, a year before drowning at sea when the Ceramic was torpedoed off the Azores. The piece was realized by Leyton Ring for publication in 1992, received its world premiere in Newcastle, UK in 1993 and later was published by PRB Productions in 1995.

For more information on the Dolmetsch Concertino, please visit http://tinyurl.com/PRBDolmetsch & for more information on PRB Productions, please visit http://www.prbmusic.com/. For more information on Troy Webdell and the South Shore Orchestra, please visit http://www.southshoreorchestra.org/. For more information on Rudolph Dolmetsch, the Dolmetsch family, and their pioneering work in the Early Music revival, visit http://www.dolmetsch.com/Rudolph.htm.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Interviewed on WUWM’s Lake Effect, October 12, 2010

On October 12, 2010, Dr. Phillip W. Serna was interviewed on Milwaukee 89.7 WUWM’s program Lake Effect discussing the viol, his outreach program ‘Viols in Our Schools,’ and his October 16th, 2010  concerto performance with Milwaukee’s Concord Chamber Orchestra.

From WUWM’s Lake Effect:

“Dr. Phillip Serna played the viola da gamba in our performance studio, and was engineered by WUWM’s Jon Strelecki. Dr. Serna is on the faculty of music at Valparaiso University in Indiana. He spoke with Bonnie North. Serna will be the gamba soloist during the opening concert of the Concord Chamber Orchestra’s 35th season this Saturday evening at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa.”

This segment appeared again later on November 10th 2010 as part of a musical favorite’s episode. For more information about WUWM, visit http://www.wuwm.com/. For more information on the Concord Chamber Orchestra, please visit http://www.concordorchestra.org/. For Viols in Our Schools, please visit http://www.violsinourschools.org/.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Receives The Early Music America Outreach Award for 2010

Early Music America

In June 2010, Early Music America awarded Dr. Phillip W. Serna  with the 2010 Outreach Award for his outreach program ‘Viols in Our Schools.’ Here’s what was posted on Early Music America’s website:

(SEATTLE, WA) Early Music America, the national service organization for the field of early music, announces the winners of its 2010 awards recognizing outstanding accomplishments in early music. These awards will be presented at the EMA Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony at the Berkeley Festival on June 11, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley, CA.

Phillip Serna is the recipient of the Early Music Outreach Award, which honors ensembles or individual artists for excellence in early music outreach and/or educational projects for children or adults. Phillip Serna is instructor of double bass and viola da gamba at Valparaiso University, and is on faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Early Music Department. Since its inception in 2006, Phillip Serna’s Viols in Our Schools program has worked to make period-instrument performance for viols a vital part of school communities in locations ranging from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Texas. With over 35 events and 80 hours of classroom time this season, these programs seek to educate, inform and inspire the next generation of early music enthusiasts, performers and scholars by presenting to students ranging from kindergarten through college age. Phillip has performed on double bass with many Midwest orchestras and on viols and vielle with early music ensembles including Ars Antigua, the Chicago Early Music Consort, the Newberry Consort and the Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols. Phillip received his Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University, where he studied viol with Mary Springfels. Phillip is currently president of the Viola da Gamba Society Third Coast, the Chicago chapter of the VdGSA.

To read the complete press release article, please click here. For more information about the Early Music America, visit http://www.earlymusic.org/. For Viols in Our Schools, please visit http://www.violsinourschools.org/.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Interviewed in Black Oak Presents, January 4, 2010

Back Oak Presents 1.4.2010 - Interview with Dr. Phillip W. Serna

On January 4th 2010, Dr. Phillip W. Serna was interviewed by Black Oak Presents about his outreach program ‘Viols in Our Schools.’ Originally printed in the Winter 2009 issue of Black Oak Presents, pg. 8-11, to read the article, please click here. For more information about Black Oak Media, visit http://www.blackoakmedia.org/. For Viols in Our Schools, please visit http://www.violsinourschools.org/.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna and Duo fantaisie en Echo Featured in Valparaiso University’s The Torch, November 2009

Valparaiso University's the Torch, November 2009 -  Viol revitalized

In November 2009, Dr. Phillip W. Serna and his viol duo, Duo fantaisie en Echo, were featured in the Valparaiso University’s The Torch about their concert efforts and about his outreach program ‘Viols in Our Schools.’ To read the article, please click here. For more information about the Valparaiso University’s The Torch, visit http://www.valpo.edu/. For Duo fantaisie en Echo, visit http://www.duoenecho.org/. For Viols in Our Schools, please visit http://www.violsinourschools.org/.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured in the Naperville Sun, October 29, 2009

Naperville Sun, October 29,2009 -  Program brings viols into local high schools

On October 29, 2009, Dr. Phillip W. Serna was featured in the Naperville Sun about his outreach program ‘Viols in Our Schools’ and his collaborative perforamance at Naperville north High School. To read the article, please click here. For more information about the Naperville Sun, visit http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/. For Viols in Our Schools, please visit http://www.violsinourschools.org/.

Dr. Phillip W. Serna Featured on Viola da Gamba on Scott Glasgow’s Score to the Gene Generation

On March 31st 2009, Dr. Phillip W. Serna appeared on viola da gamba on the Varèse-Sarabande compact disc release of Scott Glasgow’s original score to the futuristic science fiction film ‘The Gene Generation.’ For more information on the score and composer Scott Glasgow, visit http://www.scottglasgowmusic.com/.

Listen to The PrologueThe Transcoder from the Gene Generation Soundtrack:



The Gene Generation: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Scott Glasgow
2009, Varèse Sarabande 302 066 951 2

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part VIII – Richard Myron

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on April 16th, 2008. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part VII – Jerry Fuller

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on January 17th, 2008. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

In the News – Dr. Phillip W. Serna Contributes to The String Teacher’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program

Read Dr. Phillip Serna's Contribution to The String Teacher's Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program (Meredith Music Resource)

December 1st 2007, Dr. Phillip W. Serna ‘Early Strings Advocacy – Introducing Renaissance and Baroque String Repertoire on Period Instruments to Classrooms’ was published as part of The String Teacher’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program.

From Meredith Music Publications:

“This valuable collection of quick-to-read yet deeply insightful strategies is like finding expert trade secrets all placed in one easy, quick-to-read source. Contributors to the book were even eager to get a look at each other’s ideas. With outstanding records of performance, workshop clinics, recordings, research, composition, leadership, and teaching, the 57 authors provide their favorite “recipes” that range from overviews of successful programs to specific topics that will inspire all levels and types of ensembles and performers.”

For more information on The String Teacher’s Cookbook, visit http://www.meredithmusic.com/the-string-teachers-cookbook.

 

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part VI – Curtis Daily

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on November 25th, 2007. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part V – Alison Mackay

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on November 23rd, 2007. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part IV – Shanon Zusman

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on October 25th, 2007. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part III – David Miller

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on October 18th, 2007. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part II – Jay Elfenbein

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on October 12th, 2007. For other installments in the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Articles – Contrabass Conversations & Double Bass Blog Series – Perspectives on Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series Part I – Robert Nairn

This article was originally published on the Double Bass Blog on October 9th, 2007 by Phillip W. Serna as part of the Early Bass Performance – Early Music Interview Series. For other installments in this series, as well as many great resources for the amateur, student and professional double bassist, please visit the Double Bass Blog and the Contrabass Conversations Podcast.

Phillip Serna Featured in Contrabass Conversations Recital Showcase

Contrabass Conversations

On April 26th 2007, Phillip Serna appeared as a guest in a recital showcase on Jason Heath’s widely popular Contrabass Conversations podcast. The recital featured the Sonata in E-Minor, Op.38 (1862-1865) by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), the Sonata No.2 in E-Minor, Op.6 by Adolf Mišek( 1875-1955), the Sonata (1956) for String Bass and Piano by František Hertl and Vocalise, Op.34, No.14 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943). For more information on the podcast, visit http://contrabassconversations.com/.