The International House Global Voices Performing Arts Series is proud to partner with The Newberry Consort to present Four Queens and a Joker. ​Games and cards were all the rage in the 17th and 18th centuries, and we present two pieces for four sopranos depicting lively matches!

This event is open to the public. Purchase Tickets: $50 General Admission | $10 for students with valid UCID available at the door 

We’ll perform a comic intermezzo by 17th century composer Virgilio Mazzocchi depicting the hunting game of “La Civetta”, or the Little Owl. This piece has long languished in obscurity, and we are collaborating with Italian scholar Aldo Roma to recreate the game on stage for you from his recent research.

We’ll also perform the 18th century Caldara cantata “Il Giuoco del Quadriglio”, or The Game of Quadrille. Ironically, Caldara was addicted to cards and left his widow in poverty because of his gaming debts! Full of snark, sass, and sarcasm, the text is set to gorgeous music with arias for sopranos with obbligato violin, recorder, and two mandolins. Singers will dance, the director will play, and our chamber orchestra will join in the fun. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these pieces staged.

This program is presented by the International House Global Voices Performing Arts Series, The Newberry Consort, and the Weil-Parker Fund for Performing Arts at International House.