The Newberry Consort presents ‘Madama Europa and the Gonzaga Court’

The Gonzaga Court in Mantua was home to many of the most renowned and diverse musicians in early modern Europe. There, the Rossi family formed a concerto of Jewish musicians who composed and performed for courtly occasions. Among them was Europa Rossi, a singer so celebrated for her talent that she became known as “Madama Europa” and was featured among the court’s most famous artists, including the concerto delle donne, Mantua’s ensemble of professional women singers.

The Newberry Consort presents music by Mantuan court musicians, especially works that would have featured Madama Europa, her family’s concerto, and other famous women musicians who would have known them—including Lucia and Isabetta Pelizzari, players of the cornetto and trombone. The concerts will feature Erica Schuller as Madama Europa, as well as four spectacular vocal soloists and an ensemble of strings, harp, cornetto, trombone, guitar, theorbo, and harpsichord. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 at 8 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets are $45, $65 for preferred seating, $10 for students with a valid student ID. For more information, call 847-607-1418 or visit https://www.newberryconsort.org/madama.