about us
Acclaimed as an ensemble of “imaginative” programming and “delicate, flawlessly-played music”, the Chicago Early Music Consort recreates the rich and diverse sounds of the late Renaissance and early Baroque chamber repertoire in a historically-informed manner. Founded by Gary Berkenstock, the consort performs throughout the Chicagoland and Wisconsin areas.
The core ensemble consists of a “broken” consort of viola da
gamba Phillip W. Serna, soprano
Stephanie Sheffield, lute/theorbo
Joel Spears, and recorders
Gary Berkenstock, but the ensemble is
supplemented as needed by the dictates of the music. Programs are
built around historical themes in order to provide modern audiences
with a meaningful social context that will enrich their musical
experience.