The Lawes Brothers, William and Henry, were leading English composers of their generation and lived during the tumultuous events of the 17th century. Henry was praised by his friend, the poet John Milton, as the first composer to set the English language to song in a way that rivaled the great contemporary Italian masters, while William was a gifted composer of instrumental music who played a large role in the cultural life at the court of Charles I. We’ll feature several of his Harpe Consorts, elegant and stylish court music scored for violin, harp, viol and theorbo. Tenor Ryan Townsend Strand will be joined by violinist Martin Davids, harpist Claire Happel Ashe, viol player Philip Serna, and theorbist Joel Spears. This concert is free and open to the pubic.