Cincinnati, Ohio – February 28, 2017 - Saint Ursula Academy students were treated to the unique sounds of the Renaissance as a local classical musician visited the Orchestra class at SUA in February.
Annalisa Pappano is a professional classical musician and neighbor of Saint Ursula. She and a colleague prepared a short musical performance and background talk for music students to introduce them to Renaissance and Baroque music. Ms. Pappano specializes in the viola da gamba, just one of the specialized instruments that make up her Catacoustic Consort.
The Catacoustic Consort blends a variety of vocal and instrumental music from Renaissance chamber music to Baroque opera. The intent is to recreate the sound of the music when it was originally composed. The music is performed on period instruments such as the viola da gamba, theorbo, organ, harpsichord, Baroque guitar, and lute.
In addition to a historically informed approach to performing music, Catacoustic is dedicated to approaching music with an understanding of the life and times when it was originally played, including informed humanities presentations to accompany its programs, like the presentation at Saint Ursula.
Some favorite composers of early music include J.S. Bach, John Dowland, Marain Marais, and Claudio Monteverdi.
Saint Ursula Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women known for academic excellence and rich tradition. Saint Ursula welcomes students from more than 90 grade schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Academy is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at 1339 E. McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of St. Ursula Academy and Convent since 1910. 86% of the Class of 2016 earned college scholarships totaling more than $22-million.