#Families: Amster Yard Sounds Classical. The Universe of Diego Ortiz

As part of the ongoing Amster Yard Sounds. Classical series—curated by soprano Elizaveta Kozlova —we now present the first Family Concert, designed especially for audiences of all ages. Held in the unique setting of Amster Yard, the series highlights early repertoires that traveled between Spain and the Americas.

Join us for a delightful musical journey and sonic exploration into The Universe of Diego Ortiz, led by acclaimed viola da gamba player Caroline Nicholas, joined by Tracy Cowart on harp, voice, and percussion.

Diego Ortiz (c. 1510–1576), one of the most influential Spanish composers of the 16th century, transformed the world of bowed string instruments with his groundbreaking treatise Trattado de glosas (1553)—the first printed guide to improvisation for the viola da gamba. This family-friendly program opens the door to Ortiz’s imaginative sound world, bridging improvisation, composition, and the musical traditions that shaped the Renaissance in Spain.

Through engaging explanations, live demonstrations, and expressive performances, families will explore:

• Ortiz’s celebrated recercadas for viola da gamba
• Music from the Cancionero de Palacio (1505) and Cancionero de Upsala (1556)
• Works by his contemporaries, including Bartolomé de Selma y Salaverde

Designed to spark curiosity and wonder, this concert invites children and adults alike to discover the textures, rhythms, and colors of early Spanish music.

Caroline Nicholas – viola da gamba
Tracy Cowart – harp, percussion, voice

Diego Ortiz (c. 1510–1576)
Selections from Trattado de glosas (1553), including:

• Recercada Primera La Spagna
• Recercada Primera sobre tenores Italianos
• Recercada Segunda sobre tenores Italianos
• Recercada Tercera La Spagna
• Recercada Quarta La Spagna
• Recercada Quarta sobre tenores Italianos
• Recercada Quinta sobre tenores Italianos
• Recercada Ottava sobre tenores Italianos
• Recercada Segunda (basso solo)

Bartolomé de Selma y Salaverde (c. 1595–1638)

• Passaggetto Susanna (basso solo)

Selections from the Cancionero de Palacio (1505)
Selections from the Cancionero de Upsala (1556)

Bring the whole family and enjoy a journey into the heart of Renaissance Spain—right here in Manhattan.
Admission is free. RSVP required.

Image: Madonna and Child with Angels Playing Lute and Viola da Braccio. Anonymous, Spanish, School of Seville, 17th century Spanish, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Instituto Cervantes - Nueva York, 211-215 East 49th Street, New York, United States

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