Strawberry Fields: The Music of G.F. Handel and Ignatious Sancho

Ruckus is joined by Emi Ferguson, flute, and Rachel Ellen Wong, violin.

While George Frideric Handel and Ignatius Sancho never met each other, they inhabited the same world, and shared one thing for certain: the transcendent joy that comes from a life of music and dance with good company.  And if there is one thing that encapsulates the joy of togetherness in 18th-century England it was the English Country Dance. Sweating, laughing, spinning, holding hands…. Propelled onwards by the unrelenting groove of the music.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative Baroque ensemble that’s been described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band.” The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a sound that is “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next.” (New York Times)

Strawberry Fields: The Music of G.F. Handel and Ignatious Sancho

Ruckus is joined by Emi Ferguson, flute, and Rachel Ellen Wong, violin.

While George Frideric Handel and Ignatius Sancho never met each other, they inhabited the same world, and shared one thing for certain: the transcendent joy that comes from a life of music and dance with good company.  And if there is one thing that encapsulates the joy of togetherness in 18th-century England it was the English Country Dance. Sweating, laughing, spinning, holding hands…. Propelled onwards by the unrelenting groove of the music.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative Baroque ensemble that’s been described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band.” The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a sound that is “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next.” (New York Times)

Strawberry Fields: The Music of G.F. Handel and Ignatious Sancho

Ruckus is joined by Emi Ferguson, flute, and Rachel Ellen Wong, violin.

While George Frideric Handel and Ignatius Sancho never met each other, they inhabited the same world, and shared one thing for certain: the transcendent joy that comes from a life of music and dance with good company.  And if there is one thing that encapsulates the joy of togetherness in 18th-century England it was the English Country Dance. Sweating, laughing, spinning, holding hands…. Propelled onwards by the unrelenting groove of the music.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative Baroque ensemble that’s been described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band.” The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a sound that is “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next.” (New York Times)

Strawberry Fields: The Music of G.F. Handel and Ignatious Sancho

Ruckus is joined by Emi Ferguson, flute, and Rachel Ellen Wong, violin.

While George Frideric Handel and Ignatius Sancho never met each other, they inhabited the same world, and shared one thing for certain: the transcendent joy that comes from a life of music and dance with good company.  And if there is one thing that encapsulates the joy of togetherness in 18th-century England it was the English Country Dance. Sweating, laughing, spinning, holding hands…. Propelled onwards by the unrelenting groove of the music.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative Baroque ensemble that’s been described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band.” The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a sound that is “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next.” (New York Times)

Strawberry Fields: The Music of G.F. Handel and Ignatious Sancho

Ruckus is joined by Emi Ferguson, flute, and Rachel Ellen Wong, violin.

While George Frideric Handel and Ignatius Sancho never met each other, they inhabited the same world, and shared one thing for certain: the transcendent joy that comes from a life of music and dance with good company.  And if there is one thing that encapsulates the joy of togetherness in 18th-century England it was the English Country Dance. Sweating, laughing, spinning, holding hands…. Propelled onwards by the unrelenting groove of the music.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative Baroque ensemble that’s been described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band.” The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a sound that is “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next.” (New York Times)

Strawberry Fields: The Music of G.F. Handel and Ignatious Sancho

Ruckus is joined by Emi Ferguson, flute, and Rachel Ellen Wong, violin.

While George Frideric Handel and Ignatius Sancho never met each other, they inhabited the same world, and shared one thing for certain: the transcendent joy that comes from a life of music and dance with good company.  And if there is one thing that encapsulates the joy of togetherness in 18th-century England it was the English Country Dance. Sweating, laughing, spinning, holding hands…. Propelled onwards by the unrelenting groove of the music.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative Baroque ensemble that’s been described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band.” The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a sound that is “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next.” (New York Times)

A VENETIAN DUEL OF BOWS – In Celebration of Carnevale

(Venetian masks and cloaks encouraged!)

PROGRAM

VIVALDI: Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 8, No. 5, RV 253, “La tempesta di mare,” for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

VERACINI: Sonata No. 12 in D Minor, Op. 2, No. 12, for violin and basso continuo

TARTINI: Concerto in A Major, D. 96, for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

LOCATELLI: Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 3, No. 2, from L’arte del violino, for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

VIVALDI: Concerto in G Minor for strings and basso continuo, RV 157

VIVALDI: Concerto in D Major, RV 208, “Il Grosso Mogul,” for solo violin, strings and basso continuo

Celebrate Venice’s glittering Carnevale with the Venice Baroque Orchestra and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. Their spirited program, A Venetian Duel of Bows, rekindles the rivalry and virtuosity of 18th-century masters—Vivaldi, Veracini, Tartini and Locatelli—transporting you to a world of fiery cadenzas, shimmering strings and dazzling showpieces.

Welcome the return of violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, the sole Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient in Baroque music; and David Belkovski, a phenomenal talent on multiple early and modern keyboards, including the harpsichord. As artistic directors of Twelfth Night, their stirring performance in spring 2024 had the audience on its feet. Together, they perform a wide-ranging program of violin sonatas and more, joined by outstanding cellist Coleman Itzkoff.

Rachell joins as concertmaster for her first performance with The English Concert, featuring the Grammy award winning countertenor Iestyn Davies, directed by Lars Ulrik Mortensen.

Rachell Ellen Wong violin
David Belkovski haprsichord

Telemann Violin Concerto in A Major, The Frogs
Biber Sonata Representativa
Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D Major, Grosso Mogul

Audience favorites Rachell Ellen Wong and David Belkovski return to bring nature-inspired soundscapes from the Baroque era to life with Northwest Sinfonietta strings. The inventive genius of Telemann, Vivaldi and Biber will surprise and delight you, with trilling birdsong, croaking frogs and even mewling cats. Let Northwest Sinfonietta entertain you and your family with a magical concert this holiday season.

Rachell Ellen Wong violin
David Belkovski haprsichord

Telemann Violin Concerto in A Major, The Frogs
Biber Sonata Representativa
Vivaldi Violin Concerto in D Major, Grosso Mogul

Audience favorites Rachell Ellen Wong and David Belkovski return to bring nature-inspired soundscapes from the Baroque era to life with Northwest Sinfonietta strings. The inventive genius of Telemann, Vivaldi and Biber will surprise and delight you, with trilling birdsong, croaking frogs and even mewling cats. Let Northwest Sinfonietta entertain you and your family with a magical concert this holiday season.

Twelfth Night Ensemble

​Rachell Ellen WONG and David BELKOVSKI

Artistic Directors

​

Telemann | Sonata No 4 in A Minor 
Henry Purcell | Suite from Amphitryon 
Antonio Vivaldi | Violin Concerto in E Minor, RV 278 
Archangelo Corelli  | Concerto grosso in G minor "Christmas Concerto"
Johann Friedrich Fasch  | Sonata No 5 in D Minor 
Francesco Durante | Concerto for 2 Violins, Viola, and continuo in G Minor 
Antonio Vivaldi | Sonata No. 12 in D Minor, RV 63, “La Follia” 

​

​Rachell Ellen WONG - baroque violin

James GARLICK - baroque violin

Alex GRIMES - baroque viola​​

Meeka QUAN-DILORENZO - baroque cello

John LENTI - theorbo/lute​

David BELKOVSKI- harpsichord

The exciting next-generation period-instrument ensemble Twelfth Night makes its Berkeley debut with a lively concert performance of Handel’s romantic comedy Aminta e Fillide.

Founded by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong and harpsichordist David Belkovski (who made their Cal Performances debuts with cellist Coleman Itzkoff during the 2022–23 season), the group has been praised for its “sensitivity and virtuosity” and “impeccable playing” (New York Classical Review).

In the part of the shepherd Aminta, soprano Nicoletta Berry sings the beloved aria “Se vago rio fra sassi”; and as the nymph Fillide, mezzo-soprano Megan Moore gives us “Fiamma bella ch’al ciel s’invia.” Excerpts from Vivaldi’s opera Il Giustino showcase the ensemble’s fiery instrumentalists.

Early music ensemble Twelfth Night reimagines operatic and instrumental masterpieces from the Baroque era. Directed by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong and harpsichordist David Belkovski, this dynamic ensemble of young stars is joined by singers Nicoletta Berry and Megan Moore for Handel’s pastoral romp Aminta e Fillide, evoking a lush world of unrequited love and longing. The evening also includes Vivaldi’s electric sinfonia from Il Giustino, an opera characterized by its lively rhythms, ornate harmonies and dramatic contrasts. Don’t miss this “zesty, impeccable” group in its Philadelphia debut, as “such sensitivity and virtuosity in playing and singing doesn’t come along every day.” (New York Classical Review)

Batuque

Rachell Ellen Wong, artistic director & violin
Felipe Bueno, violin
Vinícius Gomes, guitar
Bruno Lima, cello
Pedro Gadelha, bass
Edmundo Carneiro, percussion

This program offers a deep dive into the rich and multifaceted traditions of Brazilian music, showcasing its virtuosity, diversity, and depth beyond the familiar sounds of samba and carnival. From the pioneering work of Joaquim Calado to the vibrant rhythms of the Northeast, each piece highlights the many musical currents that shaped samba and bossa nova. Some works will be specially arranged by some of Brazil’s most talented rising stars, bringing a fresh perspective to this extraordinary tradition. Discover the influences that shaped samba and bossa nova, revealing a side of Brazil’s musical heritage you may not have experienced before.

Abschlusskonzert mit dem “Quartet in residence”

Rachell Ellen Wong – Violin

Felipe Bueno Rodrigues Baldo – Violin

Elias Vieira Pereira Filho – Viola

Cicely Parnas – Cello

In a special night celebrating music in all its form, Ilumina performs alongside violist and artistic director Jennifer Stumm and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong in a program that travels from Bach to Brazilian choro.

Bringing world-class chamber music to San Juan Island

Violinist Rachell Ellen Wong returns to Cooperstown alongside harpsichordist David Belkovski and cellist Clara Abel, early music specialists of Twelfth Night, to showcase some of the Baroque era’s most groundbreaking composers. This performance begins with Biber’s dramatic Sonata No. 5 in F major, followed by Bach’s intricate Sonata in A major, where the violin and harpsichord engage in a lively dialogue. Veracini’s Sonata in D minor offers a rich tapestry of emotion, pitting the violin versus the cello. The haunting and technically demanding Devil’s Trill by Tartini takes center stage, in Rachell’s own arrangement for solo violin, which is immediately interrupted by Royer’s lively La Marche des Scythes for solo harpsichord. Closing the program are violinist Leclair’s joyful Tambourin and Corelli’s iconic La Folia, a masterclass in fiery violin ornamentation.

Described as “an absolute gift to see live” (The Nevada Sagebrush), Twelfth Night is a refreshingly new ensemble of historical performance specialists led by keyboardist David Belkovski and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, formed with the firm belief that art is best explored as a meeting place of the past, present, and future. Their Austin Chamber Music Festival performance shows off their spirit and boundless revelry with a program featuring Georg Philipp Telemann, Antonio Vivaldi, and more.

Join acclaimed countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo in an evening of arias by Handel and Vivaldi, accompanied by historical performance specialists Twelfth Night. One of today’s biggest opera stars, Costanzo recently produced and starred in The Comet/Poppea at Lincoln Center in June. His debut solo album, Glass/Handel, paired the two iconic composers and was subsequently toured as an innovative, live multi-media spectacle.

Twelfth Night made their enthusiastically received Caramoor debut this past April, performing Handel’s Aminta e Fillide in the Rosen House Music Room, and Costanzo’s latest Caramoor performance was in Handel’s Theodora in 2022.

Led by virtuoso violinist Rachell Ellen Wong and harpsichordist David Belkovski, the dynamic ensemble Twelfth Night brings their signature blend of historical performance and dynamic energy to Newport. With a firm belief that art thrives as a meeting place of the past, present, and future, their program of Handel and Vivaldi will transport you through time, fusing the old with the new in a way only Twelfth Night can do.

PROGRAM
VIVALDI Sinfonia from L’Olimpiade, RV. 725
PISENDEL Violin Sonata in C minor
VIVALDI Concerto for violin
TELEMANN Sonata in A minor, Six sonates, No. 5, TWV 41:a1
FASCH Sonata in D minor for 2 violins, viola & basso continuo, FWV N:d3
HANDEL Concerto Grosso, Op. 6: No. 4 in A minor, HWV 322
VIVALDI Trio Sonata in D minor Op. 1 No. 12, La Follia
*Program subject to change

Join us for a night at The DiMenna Center where audiences will enjoy the World Premiere performance of a new tone poem written by The Brothers Balliett which will feature Rachell Ellen Wong on solo violin. Bringing her “exceptional blend of technical virtuosity on gut strings, expressive musicianship, and an understanding of period performance practices,” which have established her as one of the leading performers of her generation, we are thrilled to feature Wong alongside a Festival orchestra conducted by Ken-David Masur.

Reception curated by C. Hesse Cheese to follow

FEATURING
The Brothers Balliett (Douglas A.A. Balliett and Brad Balliett)
Rachell Ellen Wong, solo violin 
Melinda Lee Masur, piano
Festival Chamber Orchestra
Ken-David Masur, conductor

Following last season’s “Forgotten Octet” project, critically acclaimed by The New York Times and The Washington Post, clarinetist, curator and “musical detective” (New York Classical Review) Graeme Steele Johnson returns to spotlight his instrument’s history in the hands of master composers and performers—from Mozart to the “King of Swing” to the present day. With music written for Benny Goodman, a new work by American composer Marc Mellits, and the seldom-heard original version of Mozart’s beloved Clarinet Quintet—played on a rare, elongated clarinet built for Johnson—the program traces fortuitous relationships between composers and clarinetists throughout history and the very special music that emerged. In a special treat, Stissing Center’s Director of Chamber Music Sophia Zhou joins the quintet for Prokofiev’s rousing klezmer sextet for clarinet, strings and piano.

Graeme Steele Johnson, clarinet

Kristin Lee & Rachell Ellen Wong, violins

Tanner Menees, viola

Jia Kim, cello

PROGRAM

Alan Shulman Rendezvous with Benny (1946)

[1915-2002]

Marc Mellits Discrete Structures for Clarinet & String Quartet (2024)

[b. 1966]

Sergei Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew Themes for Clarinet, Two Violins, Viola, Cello and Piano, Op. 38 (1919) [1891-1953]

–intermission–

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Quintet in A Major for Basset Clarinet, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello, K. 581 [1756-1791]

Unearth early music's most playful works, reimagined with roots music energy.

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative ensemble with a visceral and playful approach to early music. The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement's questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a unique sound of "rough-edged intensity" (New Yorker). Ruckus' core is a continuo group, the baroque equivalent of a jazz rhythm section: guitars, keyboards, cello, bassoon and bass. Its members are among the most creative and virtuosic performers in North American early music. At the Hop, they are joined by flutist Emi Ferguson and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong to perform Strawberry Fields, a program featuring works by Handel and Sancho, and English Country Dances.

Listen (and even dance) your way through the future of the past.