24 Aug Blog: A Free Night Out with Les Délices!
The Poet, The Prodigy, and a Free Night Out: Kick Off Les Délices’ 2026–27 Season at Treelawn Music Hall!
Join Les Délices on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Treelawn Music Hall for The Poet & The Prodigy Reimagined—a free Baroque concert featuring music by J.S. Bach, Couperin, C.P.E. Bach, and Telemann.
Looking for a vibrant, unforgettable evening of music to launch your fall schedule? Les Délices is kicking off its 2026–2027 season, Light on the Horizon, with a free, community-centered performance of The Poet & The Prodigy Reimagined!
Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM for an evening that combines world-class Baroque music, warm atmosphere, and high-energy artistry in one of Cleveland’s favorite entertainment spots: Treelawn Music Hall in the Waterloo Arts District.
Whether you’re a lifelong early music enthusiast or stepping into the world of Baroque performance for the first time, this performance offers something special for everyone.
What is The Poet & The Prodigy?
Originally conceived as an album pairing the works of French master François Couperin (“The Poet”) and German icon Johann Sebastian Bach (“The Prodigy”), this signature program explores two distinct musical worlds that share surprising common ground.
While Couperin’s music exudes warmth, poise, and French atmospheric elegance, J.S. Bach’s music is legendary for its intellectual rigor, complex counterpoint, and breathtaking virtuosity. Though we don’t know if the two ever met, their lives shared remarkable parallels:
- Chamber Music Masters: Both built their early reputations serving courtly patrons—Couperin as harpsichordist for the French royal court and Bach at Cöthen under Prince Leopold.
- Italian Influences: Both composers incorporated Italian flair into their writing—Couperin drawing from Arcangelo Corelli’s trio sonatas and Bach studying and transcribing concertos by Vivaldi.
- Mutual Respect: Bach held Couperin’s keyboard music in high esteem, even copying Couperin’s Les Bergeries into Anna Magdalena Bach’s notebook! By staging these masterpieces side by side, The Poet & The Prodigy reveals the artistic conversation between French poetic grace and German compositional power.
Reimagined for 2026: New Sounds & Character Portraits
For this season-opening concert, Artistic Director Debra Nagy has reimagined the program to expand its palette with delightful new works and character studies:
- Carl Philipp Emanuel (C.P.E.) Bach: Hear an oboe sonata by J.S. Bach’s famous son, capturing the 18th-century shift toward heartwarming, melody-driven galant style.
- Georg Philipp Telemann: Enjoy selections from Scherzi Melodichi, brimming with Telemann’s signature joy, humor, and international flair.
- Antoine Forqueray: A poignant character portrait on viola da gamba titled La Couperin, full of depth and gravity.
- Robert de Visée: A haunting transcription of Couperin’s harpsichord piece Les Sylvains performed on theorbo.
- J.S. Bach’s Musical Offering: A performance of the captivating Fuga canonica in epidiapente (BWV 1079).
“This concert has a little something for everyone. Not only do we get to enjoy Couperin’s penchant for elegance and atmosphere and J.S. Bach’s intellectual side and virtuosity, but we’ll also share music by Bach’s son Carl Philipp, who composed amazing melodies and knew just how to pull on the heartstrings.”
— Debra Nagy, Artistic Director & Oboist
Meet the Ensemble & Venue
Featured Musicians
Debra Nagy – Baroque Oboe
Shelby Yamin – Baroque Violin
Rebecca Landell – Viola da Gamba & Baroque Cello
Adam Cockerham (Guest Artist) – Theorbo & Baroque Guitar
A New Venue Experience: Treelawn Music Hall
Located in Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood, the 100-year-old Treelawn (formerly the Slovenian Workmen’s Home) combines vintage charm with fantastic acoustics. Complete with a cash bar and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect setting to grab a drink, relax with friends, and experience live music up close.
Event Summary at a Glance
Event: The Poet & The Prodigy Reimagined
Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Location: Treelawn Music Hall (15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110)
Admission: FREE / Pay-What-You-Can (Registration recommended)
Reserve Your Free Tickets Today!
Admission is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot early and join Les Délices for an evening of melody, history, and community in Collinwood.