Description:

The Newberry Consort is pleased to take audiences on a magical trip back in time to the Middle Ages when they present a concert featuring the music of German composer Oswald von Wolkenstein at Jan. 13-15 in Evanston, Hyde Park and at the Newberry Library.

Born circa 1377, Wolkenstein was a nobleman and knight who traveled throughout Western and Eastern Europe and the Holy Land during the crusades. He was also a poet and a composer who wrote songs about his travels, religion, and love.

“Wolkenstein’s music was very autobiographical, so we’ve decided to present his works chronologically to tell the story of his life,” said David Douglass, co-artistic director of The Newberry Library. “It’s a fascinating peek into this creative man and the times in which he lived.”

The concert will feature a multimedia slideshow featuring the original manuscripts of the music, as wellsupertitles. Special guests will include Mary Springfels and Drew Minter, founding members of the Consort, whowill join the ensemble of early harps, fiddles, winds and voices.