February 15 & 16, 2025

In February, Musical Masterworks turned to early music inspirations with the celebrated early music ensemble, Ruckus. The entire program was based on works by J.S. Bach, realized and reimagined by flutist Emi Ferguson and Ruckus.

RUCKUS EARLY MUSIC

Emi Ferguson, baroque flute

Clay Zeller-Townson, bassoon

Caitlyn Koester, keyboards

Doug Balliett, baroque bass

Coleman Itzkoff, baroque cello

Paul Holmes Morton, baroque guitars

Adam Cockerham, baroque guitars

Tessa Lark, violin

Works by:

Johann Sebastian Bach, from the Goldberg Variations, BWV 1033, 1034, 1035, and others

Realized and reimagined by Emi Ferguson, Ruckus, and Tessa Lark.

Performing Musicians

Ruckus Early Music

Baroque Ensemble

Ruckus is a shapeshifting ensemble with a visceral and playful approach to early music.

Emi Ferguson

Baroque Flute

Hailed by critics for her “tonal bloom” and “hauntingly beautiful performances.

Clay Zeller-Townson

Bassoon

Clay has a deep passion for contemporary music played on early instruments.

Caitlyn Koester

Keyboards

Caitlyn finds that music of the 17th and 18th centuries exemplifies genuine humanity.

Doug Balliet

Baroque Bass

Doug Balliett is devoted to radically authentic music-making.

Coleman Itzkoff

Baroque Cello

“Flawless technique and keen musicality.” -Alex Ross, The New Yorker

Paul Holmes Morton

Baroque Guitars

Paul is perpetually inspired by music as a vehicle to transport oneself across time and culture.

Adam Cockerham

Baroque Guitars

Early music artist Adam Cockerham specializes in theorbo, lute and baroque guitar.

Tessa Lark

Violin

Tessa Lark is one of the most captivating artistic voices of her time.