Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … A recital featuring lute works of the Galilei family will be performed by Hofstra Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Christopher Morrongiello at the Custer Observatory in Southold, NY, on Saturday, March 20, at 8 p.m. Professor Morrongiello is also director of the New York-based Bacheler Consort (an early music group named after the English lute virtuoso Daniel Bacheler that specializes in instrumental music) and a member of the Venere Lute Quartet.

Although Galileo’s scientific achievements are widely known, many are unaware that he was also an accomplished lutenist and came from a family of eminent musicians. In fact, Galileo's father and brother were recognized virtuosos of the lute, both as performers and composers.  Last year, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileo's astronomical achievements, the Lick Observatory in Santa Cruz, CA, invited Professor Morrongiello, a renowned lutenist, to appear in concert and perform compositions of the Galilei family and their musical contemporaries. This March 20th recital will recreate this performance.

Professor Morrongiello, a former British Marshall Scholar, is a graduate of the Mannes College of Music, the Royal College of Music, and the University of Oxford, where he took his Ph.D. In 2006 the Lute Society of America conferred upon him the first Patrick O'Brien LSA Seminar Lectureship. An expert in Renaissance and early Baroque instrumental music, Professor Morrongiello teaches music history and lute at Hofstra.

The Custer Observatory is located at 1115 Main Bayview Road in Southold, New York. The phone number is (631) 765-2626. Suggested donation for tickets is $10 members, $15 non-members, $8 full-time students. Refreshments and observing will follow (weather permitting). For more information visit: http://www.custerobservatory.org

For a more detailed description of the recital visit:
http://weekendsantacruz.com/2009/08/03/5-questions-with-lutenist-christopher-morrongiello/

###