The Academy of Early Music

The Academy of Early Music

Ann Arbor, Michigan

November House Concert Features Baroque Harpsichord

At 4:00 on Sunday, November 11, harpsichordist Ling-Ju Lai will present an intimate program featuring Baroque music by Rameau, Scarlatti, and Bach. A doctoral student of Edward Parmentier, she was named the "Rising Star” by the National Taiwan Concert Hall and the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra. The Baltimore Sun wrote, “The depth of the sound sinks in with startling poignancy as Ling-Ju Lai lets the notes linger long in the air . . . . a moment of musical insight to savor.”

Ms. Lai has participated in many acclaimed music festivals and competitions, including the Bach Festival in Leipzig, the Vlaanderen Festival at Bruge, the William Kapell International Piano Competition in Maryland, and the SEHKS International Harpsichord Competition in Florida. She received a Bachelor degree with Honors in piano from the University of Michigan and two Master's Degrees in Piano and Harpsichord Performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the Performer's Certificate for her excellence in performance.

Ms. Lai will be performing on a harpsichord from the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments. This instrument is based on a 1693 anonymous Italian harpsichord in the Smithsonian Institution, and was constructed in 2006 by Prof. Alton Clark of Cornell University. Presented to the collection in that year, the harpsichord is featured in workshops, performances, and other events.

Details of the Program

Ling-Ju Lai will perform the following repertoire at the house concert:

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683—1764)

Four Movements from Nouvelles suites de pièces de clavecin (c. 1729—30)

▪ Prelude in A Minor

▪ Allemande

▪ Fanfarinette

▪ Les trois mains

Domenico Scarlatti (1685—1757)

Sonata in A, K. 208, Adagio e cantabile

Sonata in A, K. 39, Presto

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685—1750)

Toccata in E Minor, BWV 914

Ricercare a3 from Musical Offering, BWV 1079

Giles Farnaby (c. 1563—1640)

Fantasia in D

Antonio Soler (1729—1783)

Fandango

Concert Venue and Reception

The concert will be held at the home of Academy secretary Stephanie Rosenbaum (1401 Maywood, Ann Arbor, corner of Stadium Boulevard). After the musical program, there will be an informal wine and cheese reception. Donations are requested to cover expenses and help support Academy house concerts with honoraria for performers. For more information or directions, call 734-665-5758; during the two hours prior to the concert, call 734-662-0631.