Wilson Music Series 33rd season closes with Ensemble Chaconne

The Jean C. Wilson Series closes its 33rd season with Ensemble Chaconne on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport.

Called “a powerhouse of great playing” by Classical Voice of North Carolina, Ensemble Chaconne returns to the Wilson Music Series with a concert of early French music.

“Le Grand Siècle: Music of the French Court 1650-1750” will include gems by the incomparable masters Marin Marais, François Couperin and Jean Marie Leclair, as well as rarely-heard treasures by Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, Anne Bocquet, and other composers from the courts of Louis XIV and Louis XV.

The program will include “L’Art de Preluder sur la Flûte” by Jacques Hotteterre, “Quatorzieme Concert” by François Couperin, “Troisième Suite” by Louis de Caix d’Hervelois, “Sonata II” by Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, “Prelude Grand Ballet” by Marin Marais, and “Sonata I” by Jean-Marie LeClair.

Hailed for “vitality and character, style and verve” by MusicWeb International, Ensemble Chaconne includes Peter H. Bloom on baroque flute, Carol Lewis on viola da gamba, and Olav Chris Henriksen on baroque lute, baroque guitar, and the orbo.

The Jean C. Wilson Music Series is named for one of the founders and the director of the music series for 29 years. Now, under the auspices of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church, the Music Series typically offers three or four concerts held during the winter months.

Suggested donations are $20, $10 for seniors, children and students free. For more information about the concert go to frsuu.org/jean-c-wilson-music-series or call 978-465-0602 x401.