Incantare

Incantare’s concerts highlight the musical and cultural connections of under-explored musicians from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods, especially music by composers, singers, and instrumentalists from marginalized communities in early modern Europe. Incantare’s unique programs reflect a mission to discover, research, transcribe, and perform works that may not have been heard since their conception.

Incantare debuted to enthusiastic crowds at the 2018 Twin Cities Early Music Festival, where they were chosen as one of “the week’s five best Twin Cities classical concerts” by the Star Tribune. Since then, they have performed programs throughout the United States. Appearances among many include Pittsburgh’s Renaissance and Baroque series with Chatham Baroque, the Housewright Virtuoso Series in Tallahassee, the Madison Early Music Festival, and the International Trombone Festival, where they were praised for their “beautiful and cohesive sound.” Incantare’s EXILE program, currently touring throughout the U.S., was recognized as an “innovative project” by the Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research, and EMAg, the Magazine of Early Music America, reported that audiences have left the ensemble’s concerts “with a sense of awe.”

The consort of sackbuts and violins has a long history and a unique sound that incorporates the vocal qualities of both instruments while retaining each of their distinct timbres, making it the perfect medium for performing the beautiful works from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The name “Incantare,” a play on words that means “to enchant” in Italian and “to sing” in Latin, links directly to the ensemble’s mission as early instrumentalists. Incantare seeks to enchant, charm, hypnotize, and spellbind by singing through their instruments.