Think it looks like a snake? It’s a fabulous bass instrument called a SERPENT!
The Early Music Society hosts events from September to June approximately once a month. The fall opener is usually a reading for vocalists and instrumentalists such as J.S. Bach’s Wachet Auf cantata or Vivaldi’s Gloria, conducted by a local professional musician.  Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, toward the end of December, we do our annual reading of Charpentier’s Messe de minuit pour Noel, also for singers and players. Our annual Mid-Winter Tune-Up is an opportunity for early music groups to perform pieces they’ve been working on for each other in a relaxed and appreciative atmosphere.
Our February movie night showcases a film with an Early Music theme or connection. In the past we’ve screened Tous les matins du monde featuring music of the viola de gamba and Vision about the life of Hildegard von Bingen.
Other events are organized as opportunity arises, such as workshops with Early Music musicians who are visiting the province to perform with Symphony Nova Scotia, or Musique Royale and others. Our AGM is held in June, with a performance by the Kiwanis winners of our Early Music awards for strings. piano and vocals.
Many of our members are part of classes in a particular instrument, also small groups who play together regularly, and a vocal group directed by Andrew Pickett meet during the fall and winter to sing madrigals a cappella.
The Society owns a harpsichord which members can use for practicing or arrange to use at performances. We have a few Baroque bows and instruments which can be borrowed by members, and through association with Dalhousie’s Fountain School of Performing Arts (FSPA), members may borrow instruments from their Historical Instrument Collection. Please email: earlymusicns@gmail.com for more information.