Ars Antigua to perform Nov. 15 at the Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake

Revel in the artistic splendor of Ars Antigua's "Festa Romana" performance as they open the 14th season of the Early Music Series at the Byron Colby Barn at 4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 15. The Early Music Series features highly acclaimed musicians performing music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Admission is $20 for adults and is available at the door only via cash or check (no credit cards). Season tickets to all 6 performances in the Early Music Series are available for only $90 at www.libertyprairie.org/earlymusic or at the door at the Nov. 15 performance. To inspire early appreciation for the arts, children under 16 are admitted free.

Rome, with its history of lavish support of the arts since the Renaissance, was without equal during the Baroque period. Patronage from the Pope, the Sacred College of the Vatican, more than 80 churches, extraordinarily wealthy noble families, and exiled royalty contributed to a dazzling musical culture in the city.

Sacred music was particularly well supported by the great aristocratic families, some of whom held weekly 'conversazioni' for guests to engage in informal conversation, play games, and listen to new music. A legion of composers, vocalists, and instrumentalists were enlisted to meet the musical demands of the city.

Ars Antigua (William Bauer and Celina Casado, violins; Stephanie Hunt, violoncello; Jerry Fuller, violone; Jeff Noonan, theorbo) performs selections from this period in their "Festa Romana" program. Ars Antigua believes music is most profound when performed using techniques and instruments from the time period when it was composed. Their performances are critically acclaimed for technical excellence, emotional impact, and historical scholarship.

The Byron Colby Barn is located at 1561 Jones Point Road in Grayslake, inside the Prairie Crossing conservation community. From I-94 north, exit Route 120 west, turn south at Route 45, then right at Jones Point Road. Ample free parking is located in the parking lot adjacent to the Barn. Audience members are welcome to bring a bottle of wine to share with friends during performances.

Incredible music and architectural beauty combine to create a unique concert experience at the Byron Colby Barn. For more information about the Early Music Series visit www.libertyprairie.org/earlymusic.