How to Attend the Atlanta Early Music Society

The Atlanta Early Music Society (AEMS) is a cornerstone of the Southeastern United States classical music landscape, dedicated to preserving, performing, and promoting music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Founded in the late 1970s by a group of passionate musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts, AEMS has grown into a respected institution that bridges historical authenticity with contemporary audience engagement. For those unfamiliar with early musicmusic composed roughly between the 9th and early 18th centuriesattending an AEMS event can be a transformative experience. It offers not only auditory delight but also a deeper connection to the roots of Western musical tradition.

Unlike mainstream orchestral performances, early music concerts often feature period instruments, historically informed performance practices, and intimate venues that recreate the acoustic environments of centuries past. This makes attending an AEMS event more than just a night outits an immersive journey into the sonic world of composers like Monteverdi, Purcell, Couperin, and J.S. Bach. Whether youre a seasoned concertgoer or a curious newcomer, understanding how to attend and fully engage with the Atlanta Early Music Society enhances both your enjoyment and appreciation of this rich art form.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for anyone seeking to attend AEMS performances. From securing tickets to understanding performance etiquette, from selecting the right seating to engaging with the community, this tutorial equips you with everything you need to make the most of your experience. By following these guidelines, youll not only attend a concertyoull become an informed, engaged participant in a living tradition that continues to resonate across centuries.

Step-by-Step Guide

Attending a performance by the Atlanta Early Music Society involves more than simply showing up on the day of the concert. A well-planned visit ensures you maximize your enjoyment, respect the performers, and connect meaningfully with the music. Follow these seven detailed steps to prepare for and attend your firstor nextAEMS event.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

The first and most essential step is to navigate to the Atlanta Early Music Societys official website. This is your primary source for accurate, up-to-date information on concert schedules, ticket availability, venue locations, and program notes. The website typically includes a calendar view of upcoming events, often categorized by season (e.g., Fall, Winter, Spring). Each listing includes the date, time, venue, performers, and a brief description of the repertoire.

Look for sections labeled Events, Concerts, or Season Schedule. Many early music societies, including AEMS, structure their seasons around thematic programssuch as Music of the French Court, Sacred Choral Works of the Renaissance, or Bachs Brandenburg Concertos in Context. These themes often reflect scholarly research and may include rare or lesser-known compositions, making them especially valuable for music lovers seeking depth.

Step 2: Choose Your Performance

Once youve reviewed the seasons offerings, select a concert that aligns with your interests. Early music spans centuries and cultures, so theres something for every taste. If youre new to the genre, consider starting with a program that features familiar composers like Bach or Vivaldi, as their works are often more accessible to newcomers. Alternatively, if youre drawn to historical storytelling, look for concerts that include narrative elements, such as liturgical music performed in a chapel setting or dramatized madrigals with costumes and staging.

Pay attention to the ensemble performing. AEMS frequently collaborates with renowned early music specialists, including vocal ensembles like the Atlanta Early Music Singers and instrumental groups using reconstructed instruments such as the viola da gamba, harpsichord, lute, and natural trumpet. Knowing the performers can help you anticipate the style and sound youll experience.

Step 3: Purchase Tickets

Tickets for AEMS concerts are typically sold online via the organizations website. Unlike large commercial venues, early music events often have limited seating due to the intimate nature of the performance spaceshistoric churches, university recital halls, or restored colonial-era auditoriums. This means tickets can sell out quickly, especially for popular programs or holiday-themed concerts.

There are usually multiple pricing tiers: general admission, student discounts, and sometimes patron or donor levels that include additional benefits like pre-concert talks or invitations to receptions. Be sure to check for any applicable discounts before purchasing. Students, seniors, and members of affiliated organizations (such as historical societies or music schools) often qualify for reduced rates.

After completing your purchase, youll receive a confirmation email with a digital ticket. Some venues require printed copies, while others accept mobile tickets displayed on smartphones. Keep this email accessible, and consider saving a screenshot as a backup.

Step 4: Research the Venue

Early music concerts are rarely held in large, modern concert halls. Instead, AEMS selects venues that reflect the historical context of the music being performed. Common locations include the Cathedral of St. Philip, the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University, or the historic Wrens Chapel at Oglethorpe University.

Before attending, visit the venues website to review parking options, public transit access, and building accessibility. Many historic venues have limited parking and may require walking up steps or navigating narrow corridors. If you have mobility concerns, contact the society directly through their websites contact form to inquire about accommodations. Most venues are willing to assist with seating arrangements or provide assistance upon arrival.

Also note the venues acoustics. Churches and chapels often have long reverberation times, which enhance the resonance of vocal polyphony and plucked strings. Arriving early allows you to sit quietly and absorb the space before the performance beginsa practice many early music enthusiasts consider part of the ritual.

Step 5: Prepare for the Performance

Early music concerts differ from modern symphony performances in several subtle but important ways. To fully appreciate the experience, prepare mentally and physically.

First, read the program notes. AEMS typically provides detailed program bookletseither printed at the venue or available digitally on their website. These notes explain the historical background of each piece, the composers life, the instrumentation used, and sometimes even translations of lyrics in Latin, French, or Italian. Familiarizing yourself with this context transforms passive listening into active engagement.

Second, dress appropriately. While theres no formal dress code, attendees often dress in smart casual attire. Avoid strong perfumes or colognes, as the scent can be distracting in enclosed, acoustically sensitive spaces. Also, consider bringing a light shawl or jackethistoric churches and chapels can be cool, even in summer.

Third, silence your devices completely. Unlike some modern concerts where muted phones are tolerated, early music performances demand absolute quiet. Even the faintest buzz or ringer can disrupt the delicate balance of period instruments and vocal harmonies. Many performers rely on silence as a musical elementso your attentiveness becomes part of the performance.

Step 6: Arrive Early

Arriving at least 2030 minutes before the scheduled start time is strongly recommended. Early arrival allows you to:

• Find your seat without rushing
• Review the program booklet
• Observe the musicians tuning their instrumentsa unique and often mesmerizing process
• Engage with other attendees or the performers if theyre present

Many AEMS concerts begin with a brief spoken introduction by the artistic director or a guest scholar. These remarks often provide insight into the performances historical context or interpretive choices. Missing this can diminish your understanding of the musics intent.

Additionally, arriving early gives you the chance to explore the venues architecture and any displayed artifactssuch as original manuscripts, antique instruments, or historical illustrationsthat may be on view. These visual elements enrich the auditory experience.

Step 7: Engage During and After the Performance

During the concert, resist the urge to clap between movements. In early music, many multi-movement works (such as sonatas or suites) are intended to be performed without interruption. Clapping after each movement is a modern convention and can break the flow of the music. Wait until the end of the entire work, or until the performers indicate its appropriate by standing or bowing.

After the performance, stay for the post-concert reception if one is offered. AEMS frequently hosts informal gatherings with wine, cheese, and light refreshments. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the musicians, ask questions, and learn about their instruments and research. Many performers are passionate educators and welcome dialogue with curious listeners.

If youre inspired, consider joining the Atlanta Early Music Society as a member. Membership often includes discounted tickets, invitations to exclusive events, and access to educational resources. Its also a meaningful way to support the preservation of early music in your community.

Best Practices

Attending early music performances is not merely about listeningits about participating in a cultural and historical continuum. To deepen your experience and show respect for the art form, follow these best practices.

Practice Active Listening

Early music is often polyphonicmeaning multiple independent melodic lines unfold simultaneously. Unlike modern pop or classical music, which frequently emphasize a single melody with harmonic accompaniment, early music invites you to follow several voices at once. Train yourself to identify individual lines: a soprano voice weaving above a bass viol, a recorder echoing a lutes phrase. Use the program notes to identify which instruments or voices are playing which parts. Over time, youll begin to hear the architecture of the music.

Understand Historical Context

Music from the 16th or 17th century was composed for specific liturgical, courtly, or domestic settings. A madrigal might have been sung during a dinner party among nobility; a chorale might have been part of a Sunday service. Understanding these contexts helps you appreciate why certain harmonies, rhythms, or textures were chosen. For example, the use of a drone bass in Renaissance music reflects medieval chant traditions, while the ornamentation in Baroque solos mirrors the rhetorical flourishes of spoken oratory.

Consider reading a short article or watching a documentary on early music performance practice before attending a concert. Resources like the Early Music America website or YouTube channels such as The Consort of Musicke offer accessible introductions.

Respect the Instruments

Period instruments are often fragile, handcrafted, and irreplaceable. They may be made of wood, gut strings, or animal horn, and require careful handling. Avoid touching any displayed instruments, even if they appear to be on public view. Photographing instruments is usually permitted, but flash photography is strictly prohibited. Always follow posted signs and staff instructions.

Minimize Distractions

Early music relies on nuancesubtle dynamic shifts, breath-like phrasing, and microtonal inflections. Even the rustle of a program, the click of a pen, or the faint sound of a zipper can disrupt the sonic environment. If you need to adjust clothing or remove a jacket, do so before the performance begins. If you must leave your seat during the concert (e.g., for an emergency), wait for a pause between pieces and move quietly.

Support the Art Form

Early music ensembles often operate on tight budgets. Unlike major symphony orchestras, they rarely receive large corporate sponsorships. Ticket sales, donations, and memberships are their primary sources of support. If you enjoy the performance, consider making a donation during the reception or becoming a sustaining member. Even small contributions help fund instrument restoration, scholarly research, and youth education programs.

Share Your Experience

Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful tools for sustaining early music. Tell friends, post about the concert on social media (without using flash), or write a thoughtful review on platforms like Google or Facebook. Highlight what moved youwhether it was a particular soloist, the use of a rare instrument, or the emotional power of a choral passage. Your voice helps attract new audiences and validates the importance of this art form.

Tools and Resources

To enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the Atlanta Early Music Societys performances, several tools and resources are availablefrom digital archives to mobile apps. These resources are curated to help you engage more deeply with the music before, during, and after each concert.

Official AEMS Website and Newsletter

The Atlanta Early Music Societys website is your primary hub for information. In addition to concert listings, it features:

• Archived program notes from past seasons
• Biographies of guest artists and ensemble members
• Links to recordings and scholarly articles
• A subscription option for their monthly newsletter

Subscribing to the newsletter ensures you receive advance notice of ticket sales, special events, and educational workshops. Many subscribers report discovering hidden gemssuch as lecture series on medieval notation or hands-on lute-making demonstrationsthat they otherwise would have missed.

Early Music America (EMA)

Early Music America is a national nonprofit that supports early music performers, educators, and audiences. Their website (earlymusicamerica.org) offers:

• A searchable database of early music ensembles across the U.S.
• Free educational webinars and downloadable guides
• Articles on performance practice, instrument history, and repertoire

EMAs Getting Started with Early Music guide is particularly useful for newcomers. It includes audio examples, recommended listening lists, and explanations of terms like temperament, basso continuo, and figured bass.

Streaming Platforms and Recordings

Before attending a live concert, listen to recordings of the repertoire to familiarize yourself with the sound. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube feature performances by leading early music ensembles such as The Tallis Scholars, Jordi Savalls Le Concert des Nations, and the Boston Camerata.

Look for recordings labeled historically informed performance (HIP). These are made using period instruments and research-based interpretive approaches, aligning closely with AEMSs own practices. Some recommended albums to explore:

• Bach: Brandenburg Concertos The Academy of Ancient Music
• Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine The Sixteen
• The Art of the Lute Nigel North

Listening to these recordings beforehand helps you recognize stylistic choices during the live performancesuch as the use of vibrato, tempo flexibility, or ornamentation.

Mobile Apps for Music Analysis

Apps like ForScore (for sheet music) and Music Theory Helper can deepen your understanding of the structure of early music. While you wont be reading scores at the concert, studying them at home can reveal patterns in harmony and counterpoint. For example, analyzing a Bach chorale in ForScore allows you to highlight individual voices and hear how they interact.

Another helpful app is ChoralWiki (part of the IMSLP project), which offers free public-domain scores of early music. You can download and print pieces performed by AEMS to follow along at home.

Local Libraries and University Archives

Atlanta is home to several institutions with exceptional music collections. The Woodruff Library at Emory University and the Atlanta Public Librarys Special Collections both hold rare books on Renaissance and Baroque music theory, as well as facsimiles of original manuscripts.

Many libraries offer free access to academic databases like JSTOR and RILM (Rpertoire International de Littrature Musicale). Searching for terms like early music performance practice, historical tuning, or Renaissance vocal technique can yield scholarly papers that enrich your concert experience.

Workshops and Masterclasses

AEMS occasionally hosts public workshops led by visiting scholars or performers. These may include:

• How to Play the Viola da Gamba: A Hands-On Demonstration
• Decoding Baroque Ornamentation
• Singing in Latin: Pronunciation and Expression

These events are often free or low-cost and require no prior musical training. They provide rare opportunities to interact directly with experts and even try period instruments under guidance.

Real Examples

To illustrate how these guidelines translate into real-world experiences, here are three detailed accounts from attendees of Atlanta Early Music Society concerts.

Example 1: First-Time Attendee Sarah M., College Student

Sarah, a sophomore majoring in history, attended her first AEMS concert on a whim after seeing a flyer in the university library. The program was titled Sacred Music of the Spanish Golden Age, featuring works by Toms Luis de Victoria and Francisco Guerrero.

She followed the steps outlined in this guide: she visited the AEMS website, read the program notes, and listened to a recording of Victorias Requiem on YouTube. She arrived 30 minutes early, sat quietly in the stone chapel, and observed the musicians tuning their viols and cornetts. She didnt clap between movements, as instructed, and was surprised by how the silence between phrases felt like part of the music.

After the concert, she stayed for the reception and asked the ensembles director about the use of meantone temperament. The response opened her eyes to how tuning systems shaped emotional expression in early music. Sarah later joined AEMS as a student member and now volunteers at their outreach events for high school students.

Example 2: Longtime Enthusiast James R., Retired Music Teacher

James has attended AEMS concerts for over 20 years. His favorite event was Bachs Christmas Oratorio: A Reconstruction, which used a 1734 edition of the score and period instruments from the museum collection of the University of Georgia.

He studied the original manuscript facsimile through the Emory Librarys digital archive and compared it to modern editions. He noticed that the original had fewer dynamic markings, which led him to appreciate how the performers made interpretive choices based on historical treatises rather than modern convention.

James also brought his grandchildren to the concert. He explained to them how the trumpets had no valves, and how the singers used natural harmonics to create chords. His grandson, age 9, later drew a picture of the musicians and titled it The Magic Instruments.

Example 3: International Visitor Elena P., Musicologist from Spain

Elena, visiting Atlanta for a conference, attended a concert of 17th-century Venetian madrigals. She recognized several pieces from her research on the Venetian school. When the ensemble performed a rarely recorded madrigal by Adriano Banchieri, she was moved to tears.

After the concert, she approached the ensembles lutenist and shared a 1614 printing of the same piece from her personal archive. The group later included it in their next seasons program, crediting Elena in the program notes. She described the experience as a moment of shared scholarly joy and credited AEMSs openness to audience input as a model for early music societies worldwide.

FAQs

Do I need to have a background in music to attend an AEMS concert?

No. While a background in music can enhance your appreciation, it is not required. Many attendees are drawn to early music for its emotional depth, historical intrigue, or aesthetic beauty. The program notes and spoken introductions are designed to be accessible to all audiences.

Are children allowed at AEMS concerts?

Yes, children are welcome, but its recommended that they be old enough to sit quietly for 90120 minutes. Some concerts, especially those with narrative or theatrical elements, are specifically designed for families. Check the event description for age recommendations.

Can I take photos during the concert?

Photography is permitted before and after the performance, but not during. Flash photography is strictly prohibited, as it can distract performers and disrupt the acoustic atmosphere. Some venues may allow silent, non-flash photography during intermission.

What if I dont understand the lyrics being sung?

Most programs include translations of Latin, Italian, French, or German texts. Many performances also project supertitles above the stage. If youre unsure, ask for a printed translation at the venue or check the digital program on your phone.

How long do AEMS concerts typically last?

Most concerts run between 90 and 120 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Some special events, such as lecture-recitals or all-day festivals, may be longer. Always check the event details on the website.

Is there a dress code?

There is no strict dress code. Most attendees wear business casual or smart casual attire. The focus is on comfort and respect for the venue and performers, not formalwear.

Can I bring food or drinks into the venue?

Food and drinks are not permitted in the performance space. However, refreshments are often served during post-concert receptions, which are included with your ticket or available for a small fee.

How can I support the Atlanta Early Music Society?

You can support AEMS by becoming a member, making a donation, volunteering at events, or spreading the word to friends. Every contribution helps sustain their mission of preserving and performing early music for future generations.

Conclusion

Attending a performance by the Atlanta Early Music Society is more than a cultural outingit is an act of historical reclamation. In an age of digital noise and fleeting entertainment, early music offers stillness, depth, and authenticity. The careful reconstruction of forgotten instruments, the meticulous research behind every note, and the intimate connection between performer and audience create an experience that lingers long after the final chord fades.

By following the steps outlined in this guideresearching the program, arriving early, listening with intention, and engaging with the communityyou become not just an attendee, but a steward of a centuries-old tradition. The musicians of AEMS are not merely playing old music; they are breathing life into it, inviting you to hear the world as it sounded centuries ago.

Whether you come for the haunting beauty of a Renaissance lute, the soaring harmonies of a Baroque choir, or the intellectual thrill of hearing music as it was originally intended, your presence matters. Each ticket sold, each question asked, each word shared helps ensure that this vital art form continues to thrive.

So take the next step. Visit the website. Choose a concert. Be there early. Listen deeply. And let the music of the past speak to your present.