Theorbo…What?

Joel Spears playing the Theorbo.

For the past four years, Midsummer’s Music Festival has presented “A Renaissance Christmas” performed by the Chicago Early Music Consort. Replica instruments featured in the performances date back from the Renaissance period and tend to raise a few eyebrows, especially the very long and oversized lute called the “theorbo.”

“What is that thing?” is a common question among audience members. Joel Spears, the musician who plays the theorbo, graciously allows individuals to come in for a closer look. This instrument does indeed have a unique history according to Gary Berkenstock, Artistic Director of the Chicago Early Music Consort.

“The largest member of the lute family, the theorbo was developed in the 1580s to accompany singers,” Berkenstock explains. “There is a significant body of high quality solo music written for this instrument. Although other kinds of 17th and 18th century lutes have extended bass strings attached to a second pegbox, the theorbo is distinguished by its size and re-entrant tuning, limiting the upper range of the instrument.”

The program will also feature a few other unique instruments, such as the crumhorn and racket, in addition to a few more familiar instruments, including the recorder, lute and viol, played by Gary Berkenstock, Phillip W. Serna and Joel Spears, accompanied by soprano Stephanie Sheffield.

“A Renaissance Christmas” will be performed Friday, December 12 at Bjorklunden, including a silent auction and dinner by Alexander’s. The fundraising event will benefit the Midsummer’s Music Festival. Tickets are $60 per person all inclusive and advance reservations are required.

Two goodwill concerts (suggested $10 per adult) will take place at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 pm and the Birch Creek Music Performance Center on Sunday, December 14 at 2 pm in Juniper Hall.

For more information or to make reservations, call 920.854.7088 or visit http://www.midsummersmusic.com.