It’s a Grand Night for Singing at Jarvis Conservatory

Jarvis Conservatory presents It’s a Grand Night for Singing on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. when music director and host Frank Johnson leads a program that will extend back to the 15th century to the Renaissance and early Baroque. Areté Singers, a professional group led by music director Tim Salaver, will offer “Harmony Unveiled,” a program of accompanied and a cappella songs, arias, madrigals, sacred and secular motets and choral works by Josquin des Prez, Tomás Luis de Victoria, Palestrina, Gabrieli, Allegri, Vittoria Aleotti, John Dowland, Henry Purcell and Giulio Caccini. A few numbers will come from Handel and Bach nearer to the present. Of special interest will be music of Luzzasco Luzzaschi, associated with a famous and unusual female ensemble of the late 16th century, “Concerto delle donne,” whose work revolutionized the role of women in professional music. A unique opportunity to hear a different acoustic in Jarvis Conservatory theater will be provided by some “antiphonal” singing, with vocalists both on stage and in the balcony. Instruments, including flute, harpsichord and cello, will join on some selections. Accordionist Sheri Mignano Crawford will greet the audience before the concert and accompany complimentary snacks and wine at intermission. Tickets are $20 at the box office beginning at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Jarvis Conservatory, 1711 Main St., Napa, www.jarvisconservatory.com, 707-255-5445