ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Theater presents Ruckus, an early music band, featuring Emi Ferguson and Rachell Ellen Wong in a concert that explores the rustic pastoral traditions of 18th-century New England and London. 

 

The performance will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the Adams Theater in downtown Adams.

 

The concert will feature trio sonatas by George Handel and Thomas Arne, country dances from Ignacio Sancho, instrumental hymns from William Billings and Daniel Read, and a new work from Celeste Oram.

 

According to a press release:

 

Ruckus, led by its core team of continuo masters, is a barrier-breaking baroque band. Its playing has been described as "achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next" (New York Times). In this performance, they are joined by two leading virtuosos of baroque instruments: Emi Ferguson and Rachell Ellen Wong. Among many other achievements, they are each the first two performers of historical instruments to have been awarded a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant.

 

Emi Ferguson is principal flute of The Handel and Haydn Society and AMOC*, and has performed with various renowned ensembles. Her recordings have made the top 10 albums on the Billboard classical charts.

 

Rachell Ellen Wong was the Grand Prize winner of the inaugural Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition, has recently appeared as soloist with the Seattle Symphony, and is the co-founder of Twelfth Night.

 

Tickets start at $21.99 and go up to $60 including fees. They can be purchased at www.adamstheater.org. Guests can also opt for the dinner and show package, which includes dinner catered by Door Prize and drinks from Berkshire Cider, starting at 6:15 pm.

 

In-Person Box Office Hours: The theater is holding new in-person box office hours for community members who would like to buy tickets. Box office hours will take place Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. at 27 Park Street.

 

Buy a ticket, give a ticket: All local students 17 and under can attend at least one Adams Theater show for free with pre-registration (email info@adamstheater.org). Theater patrons can help pay it forward by purchasing a Community Ticket in addition to their own. 

 

The Adams Theater's programming season is supported by grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, and 1Berkshire, and sponsorship from local businesses including Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Adams Plumbing & Heating, and SBM.