About
Join lute player Andrew Maginley and soprano, Aisling Kenny, on this special evening of music inspired by and celebrating the works of Parmigianino.
Parmigianino’s lifetime saw the rise of the golden age of lute music in Italy. The lute was the most popular instrument in Italy during this time and its music was cultivated by members of the aristocracy as a solo instrument and to accompany the voice. As Parmigianino sought to depict the human figure as more sensual and naturalistic, lute music of this time became increasingly more harmonic where composers began seeking a more expressive musical language.
Composers for the lute, Joan Ambrosio Dalza (fl 1508) Francesco Spinacino (fl 1507) and Vincenzo Capirola (1475-1548) were at the beginning of this ‘golden age’ of solo lute music, and were also important in the history of western music as their works were the first books of instrumental music ever printed.
Songs by Barolomeo Tromboncino (c. 1470 – 1535) and Marchetto Cara (c. 1465 – c. 1525) were celebrated composers from Verona and performed music for d’Este and Medici courts.
Popularity of lute music spread throughout Italy and Europe with the new invention of movable type in print making, which made it possible to print and sell vast quantities of music. Parmigianino was painting in oil, still a very new technique and he was obsessed with etching and developing new techniques for printmaking.
The art of Parmigianino and the golden age of the lute share a progressive style of change, innovation, and forward momentum of artistic ideas and practices.
Andrew Maginley
Andrew Maginley is a concert soloist and accompanist. Born in New York City, his musical journey began performing at the Juilliard School’s first performances of Baroque opera while studying lute at the Mannes College of Music, where he gained a Masters Degree in Historical Performance Practice. Andrew was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to further study at the Hochschule für Künste in Bremen, Germany.
Andrew has performed with some of the world’s leading ensembles and orchestras including Freiburger Baroque Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the English Concert, La Grande Écurie et la Chambre du Roy and the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment.
Andrew performed live on the BBC Breakfast Show with soprano Daniel de Niese, and in a film by author Allie Esiri, ‘A Poem for Every Autumn Day’, with Jamal Westman and Helena Bonham Carter.
His special interests are art and music in 17th- and 18th-century Europe and the Americas.
Aisling Kenny
Soprano, Aisling Kenny is a versatile soloist, recitalist, and ensemble singer, performing a wide range of sacred and chamber works from the Baroque and Classical eras. Aisling has performed as a soloist with leading Irish and European ensembles, including Collegium Vocale Gent, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Resurgam, Alte Akademie für Musik Berlin, Balthasar Neumann Chor, Sestina, Camerata Kilkenny, Chamber Choir Ireland, Irish Chamber Orchestra, Ricercar Consort, and Utopia Choir.
Her ensemble experience includes performances with Vox Luminis, Gabrieli Consort, Choir of the Age of Enlightenment, RIAS Kammerchor, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, Ensemble Marsyas, Fieri Consort, and Atalante.
Parmigianino and the golden age of the lute
Free, drop-in session
This concert is available on a first come, first served basis. Limited stools will be available.
Due to new security measures, you will need to allow more time for entry. Please view our General Admissions page for more information.