Academy of Ancient Music to perform

The Academy of Ancient Music with Andrew Manze bring their celebrated interpretation of baroque music to the Wisconsin Union Theater on Friday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m.

The ensemble plays classical music with the harpsichord, guitar, lute and grand theorbo – a long-necked lute. Most members stand throughout the performance. Originally established in London in 1726 to study and perform “old” music, the AAM was revived in 1973 by Sir Christopher Hogwood to give audiences an experience of music not only as it was played, but also as it might have sounded, at the time it was written.

In 1996, Andrew Manze, “the first modern superstar of the baroque violin,” joined the 16-member period-instrument ensemble as its associate director. He’s been directing and playing since then to steady critical applause. Says the Denver Post, “[Manze] is known as something of a firebrand in the classical music world, because of his sometimes controversial approach to baroque music, which takes ornamentation and improvisation to heights rarely heard.” The New York Times adds, “By now, Manze seems to be carrying much of the London early-music scene with him into adventure.”

On AAM’s 2000 American tour, Manze explained – and the Academy’s accomplished musicians demonstrated – some finer points of baroque music, such as canons, which are short, repeated passages that can be played forward or backwards, upside down or right side up, at twice or half the speed, yet still sound like interesting, effective music.

Will the Wisconsin Union Theater audience be party to explanations and demonstrations of this sort? “Guaranteed,” says their United States promoter. “I dare you to try and prevent it!”

The show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate, with additional support from WERN, 88.7 FM. Tickets are $32 for the general public, $29 for Union members, or buy seven or more vouchers at only $27 each. UW–Madison students: $14.50, or buy five or more vouchers for only $10 each. For more information, call the box office at (608) 262-2201.