Hebrew Harmonies: Discovering Salamone Rossi
A workshop by Early Music Michigan
Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 1–3 p.m.
First Congregational Church, Kalamazoo
Step into the world of Renaissance Mantua and meet Salamone Rossi, the Jewish court composer whose 1623 “Songs of Solomon” (Hashirim Asher LiShlomo) stands as the earliest known published collection of Hebrew liturgical music.
We’ll explore the fascinating story behind this groundbreaking work, along with a taste of Rossi’s secular madrigals and canzonette, tracing how one composer bridged two musical worlds centuries ahead of his time.
No singing experience required — everyone is welcome to raise their voice and try these beautiful harmonies firsthand!
This workshop will focus on the historical musical content of these pieces instead of the theological, so all faith backgrounds are welcomed. In addition, no ability to read modern musical notation is required for this workshop, and we welcome singers of all abilities and experiences. If you can talk, you can sing. Come sing with us!
Workshop leader: Dr. Luke Conklin
Dr. Luke Conklin is Early Music Michigan’s Artistic Director. Luke Conklin is a historical performer who has worked with early music groups throughout North America, including Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra, American Bach Soloists, Portland Baroque Orchestra, New York Baroque Incorporated, and the Trinity Wall Street Baroque Orchestra and Choir. In addition to his work as a performer, he is an active music educator teaching private lessons on modern and historical woodwinds as well as serving as the co-director of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Preparatory Winds from 2020-2024 and Woodwind Counselor at the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. Beginning in 2024, he will be teaching Woodwind and Brass Methods at Kalamazoo College. Luke holds a master’s degree in Chant and Ritual Song from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as degrees in Historical Performance Practice from Case Western Reserve University and The Juilliard School.
Registration details
Registration fees
Registration fees for this workshop are pay-what-you-will, but we suggest the following fees:
Student: $20
General Admission: $35
Supporters’ Circle: $50–100
Sponsors will receive an EMM window cling, their names or a dedication added to our online list of Supporters and our online program for the workshop, and our annual newsletter.
Workshop Sponsor: $100+
Sponsors will receive an EMM window cling, sticker, their names or a dedication added to our online list of Sponsors and our online program for the workshop, and our annual newsletter. Contact Becky Straple-Sovers for information on higher levels of sponsorship and benefits.
Group Registration: If you are associated with a choir, school program, or other group that would be interested in registering with a group rate, please contact Becky Straple-Sovers.
Registration deadline
Advance registration is open until September 11, 2026.
Registration is open until the workshop begins, and you can register on-site! Please note that attendees who register online on or after September 12, 2026 may be asked to print the workshop materials and bring them to the workshop. (If you are a late registrant and this will not be possible for you, please contact us as soon as possible.)
Workshop materials
The workshop agenda and documents will be made available to attendees ahead of time. We will have workshop materials for advance registrants, and a limited number for same-day registrants, but if you are able to, please consider helping us cut costs by printing out the materials yourself and bringing them to the workshop!
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!
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EIN: 38-3296106