The Love Songs from the Renaissance concert series returns in 2026 with a programme devoted to 16th-century Italy, following earlier editions focused on Spain (2024) and the Franco-Flemish school (2025). The concert brings together madrigals by Verdelot, Arcadelt and Marenzio, balletti by Gastoldi, frottole by Cara, and villanescas by Orlando di Lasso, alongside instrumental works by Francesco da Milano and Vincenzo Galilei.
CANTA Ensemble's four soloists are joined by recorder and triple harp, an instrument rarely heard in Norway. The event opens with a short talk on Italian Renaissance art. Between the talk and the concert, the audience will have the opportunity to learn about lute making in 16th-century Italy with Bergen-based luthier Lars Tørressen, who will present a small display of lute parts and tools.
Performers: Ingvill Mjeldheim Holter (soprano), Katie Macdonald (mezzo-soprano), Tyler David Ray (tenor), Ørjan Hartveit (baritone), Jostein Gundersen (recorder), Anna Koim (Baroque harp), Dimas Martínez Dubost (director)
A concert by CANTA Ensemble in collaboration with Currentes.
Supported by Bergen Municipality, Vestland County, and the Italian Cultural Institute.
Tickets are available individually or as part of a package with A Latin American Baroque Christmas: Colombia, taking place on Saturday, 5 December at 19:00 at Mariakirken.
