Coming up in Philly Music: A Baroque performance inspired by staying at home

Gwyn Roberts and Robert Stone have picked a good theme for a time when we’re all being forced to stay home. They’ve put together an Annenberg Center program devoted to music by Baroque composers who spent most of their careers in one place.

Baroque at home

Composers are often wandering the world in pursuit of opportunities and to study new musical styles. A pandemic makes that quite the challenge, but for some, it can be an inspiration. Roberts and Stone will play pieces by composers who avoided the hardships of 18th-century travel and still managed to absorb the musical influences floating around Baroque Europe.

The concert pairs a classic combination: the flute and a plucked instrument. Roberts plays the recorder and the wooden Baroque flute. Stone plays the theorbo, a bass lute with an extended neck (some styles are as long as six feet). They’re the founders and co-directors of the Tempesta di Mare Baroque Orchestra and they’re both accomplished soloists and chamber musicians. They happen to be married, in addition, so we can assume they’ve had plenty of time to prepare for this event.

What, When, Where, and Accessibility:

The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will livestream Duo Tempesta di Mare on Thursday, February 25, at 7:30pm (live chat with the artists at 7pm). Tickets are $25 and they can be purchased online. The stream will be available on-demand through February 27. More information is available on the Annenberg FAQ’s page.

Image Description: Gwyn Roberts and Richard Stone pose for a portrait, standing side by side, wearing darker clothing. The backdrop has white walls, with plenty of sunlight filling the room.