The Washington Early Music Society is pleased to present a new event this summer for lovers of early music, dance and visual arts -- the inaugural Washington Early Music Festival. It will be held during the first three weekends in June: June 6, 11-13, and 17-20. Each year the Festival will focus on one nation’s culture that has made a significant contribution to the music composed before 1750. For this first festival, England will be featured.

The Society is collaborating with the directors of 12 professional early music ensembles and soloists in the Washington area to include a diverse range of early English music, from the medieval period to the Baroque. The first weekend Chantry and Modern Musick will perform music for the Coronation of George II. On the second weekend, participants can join in an all-day dance workshop and early instrument demonstration directed by historical dance scholar Cheryl Stafford, and attend performances by Early Music Youth and the Suspicious Cheese Lords. The third weekend will feature several concerts by ensembles and individuals, including Armonia Nova, Washington Cornett & Sackbutt Ensemble, Ensemble Gaudior, Carmina, Cheasapeake Viol Consort, and a closing ceremony concert by Hesperus.

The Washington Early Music Society (WEMS) was formed in 2003 by several leading early music groups in the Washington DC area to promote and publicize early music in the Washington DC area and to develop early music projects of mutual interest. Founding member organizations are: Armonia Nova, Constance Whiteside, director; Chantry, David Taylor, director; Orchestra of the 17th Century, Michael Holmes, director; Stylus Luxurians; and Washington Cornett & Sackbutt Ensemble, Michael Holmes director.

More information about the Festival and the Society can be found at www.earlymusicdc.org.