Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person; Virtual
Admission: Free � Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream in Harkness Chapel
Program
Dancing Lambranzi: A historically informed approach
This lecture-recital examines Gregorio Lambranzi’s New and Curious Theatrical Dance-School (1716, Nuremberg), a distinctive collection of choreographies presented through the lens of a conceivably Italian author in a German context. The volume comprises 101 engraved plates, each illustrating a theatrical dance scene accompanied by a short melodic fragment and a brief textual description. Notably, the work does not include formal dance notation, and little is known about the identity of its author.
In response to these limitations, this presentation constructs a contextual framework to support the interpretation of selected choreographies. It offers an overview of the transmission and adaptation of French dance practices in Germany from the late seventeenth to the early eighteenth century, alongside an introduction to key techniques and aesthetic principles of French theatrical dance. The program culminates in the reconstruction and performance of four choreographies from Lambranzi’s collection, accompanied by analytical commentary on the interpretive process.
Performers:
- Phaik Tzhi Chua, violin/dance
- Andréa Walker, dancer
- Damonico Taylor, violin
- Parastoo Heidarinejad, violin
- Liz Loayza Herrera, violin
- Peter Bennett, harpsichord
- Danur Kvilhaug, percussion
View or download the program at the button below.
About the Performer
Malaysian violinist Phaik Tzhi Chua is currently finishing up a doctorate degree in historical performance practice under Julie Andrijeski in Case Western Reserve University. She was previously studying with Leah Gale Nelson, Nancy Wilson, and Dongmyung Ahn. Phaik Tzhi was a recipient of the French Frenzy Fellowship by ARTEK (NYC, 2024). She has been to several summer early music programs including Berwick Academy (Oregon, 2023), American Bach Soloists Academy (San Francisco, 2023), Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute (2022), Illinois Bach Academy (2022, 2021), and Virginia Baroque Academy Workshop (2019). Phaik Tzhi is part of a newly founded early music ensemble, Wit’s Folly, that focuses on late 18th century repertoire and beyond. Besides exploring music with Wit’s Folly, her other interests are in baroque dance and partimento.
Venue
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) is known for its Tiffany stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and exquisite woodwork. The neo-Gothic structure, located on Mather Quad at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH), commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance. The chapel offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant space for Department of Music performances, lectures, and special events.
The CWRU Music Concert Series offers free concerts and student recitals in the stunning Harkness Chapel. These performances highlight the exceptional talents of CWRU students and faculty, providing the broader community with opportunities to enjoy high-quality live music in an intimate and historic setting.
Safety Protocols: University Health and Counseling Services is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Find the latest guidelines and COVID-19 resources on the UH+CS Respiratory Viruses page.