Italy was the place for new ideas in the 17th century. The concepts spread across Europe and beyond. Enter the Baroque period with enticing sonatas and cantatas full of emotion. Works by Castello, Marcello, Bononcini, Veracini, Sarri, and Corelli. Enjoy how it started.

• Marcello: G minor recorder sonata

Annual holiday event with Baroque music, readings of the season, and carols for all to sing. Bob Sweeten, Max on the Bob and Sheri Show, returns to tell the Christmas story. Musicians appear in period attire.

• Bach: Et exultavit

Handel premiered three operas in London (1724). His output of music was tremendous. Experience Handel's world in works little-known today!

• Handel aria from Julius Cesare

Join Carolina Pro Musica as we travel the world through popular songs & dances of medieval times to present day. Visit Europe, the Americas, and more.

17th c. Italy was the place for new ideas. These concepts spread across Europe and the Baroque period began. Hear works by Castello, Marcello, Bononcini, Veracini, Sarri, and Corelli. Enjoy how it started.

Handel premiered three operas in London (1724). His output of music was tremendous. Experience Handel's world in works little-known today!

750 years of Music from parts of the world. Songs in European languages and Japanese and Russian plus spirituals and folk dances. This special FREE concert is made possible by the NC Arts Council, a division of of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Gaston Arts Council, the Gaston Community Foundation & Belmont Abbey.

• Douce Dame Jolie - Machaut

A repeat of the April 29th show. Music of the World dating back 750 years to today. FREE admission. Sponsored by the NC Arts Council a Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Gaston Arts Council, and the Gaston Community Foundation and the Gaston Public Library. Great for all ages.

Return of our annual hit - a songwriting workshop. Come be inspired & encouraged. Bring works you have created - poetry or music, ideas. Help writing things down, meet others. Gastonia's Jocelyn Pharr Thompson assists in the event. 10 and up. Free. Sponsored by the NC Arts Council of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Gaston Arts Council, the Gaston Community Foundation, and the Gaston Public Library.