Pro Musica Rara, Baltimore’s premier early music ensemble, launches its 44th season with “Venetian Carnival”, featuring recorder virtuoso Paul Leenhouts. Mr. Leenhouts was a founding member of the Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet, and is Director of Early Music Studies at the University of North Texas. Accompanying Mr. Leenhouts are Cynthia Roberts, violin; Dongsok Shin, harpsichord; and PMR Artistic Director Allen Whear, cello.

Venetian chamber music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Highlights include:

- Antonio Vivaldi: trio sonata in D minor, “Variations on La Folia”, RV63.

- Solos in the early 17th century “fantastic” style (stylus fantasticus).

- Barcaroles and folk tunes from the Veneto.