Parker Ramsay, harp
Arnie Tanimoto, viola da gamba
Thomas Fields, viola da gamba
June 8, 2026
A golden wire: In the Court of the King
Monday, 7:30 pm (Reception 6:30-7:15 pm)
The Kosciuszko Foundation: 15 E 65th St, NYC
Audiences are invited into the unique sound world of European courts of the 17th century, where the viola da gamba and harp reigned supreme. This intimate program pairs the luminous suite of Marin Marais with the profound, rarefied voices of his Italian and English forbears—Girolamo Frescobaldi, Luzzasco Luzzaschi, William Lawes—as well as contemporaries such as Robert de Visée. From pleading canzoni to spritely courtly dances, the music traces a lineage of elegance and daring invention—ornamented lines unfurl over a murmuring continuo as passions flicker between shadow and candlelight.
At once sumptuous and introspective, these works reveal a private side of noble life: salons humming with gossip, gardens steeped in perfume, and musicians pushing their art to its expressive edge in courtly chambers and chapels. Whether you’re new to early Baroque or already a devoted listener, period instrument ensemble A Golden Wire—featuring Thomas Fields and Arnie Tanimoto on viola da gamba, and Parker Ramsay on harp—will offer an hour of refinement, virtuosity and intimacy.
The reception will include light refreshments, wine, a themed signature cocktail, and tarot readings by Magic Mama Tarot.
