Bach’s Lunch: “A Baroque Beatles Renaissance” (Lecture)

“Travel through time” as Cody Switzer and Emily Adams discuss similarities between the music of the English Renaissance (John Dowland, William Byrd, Thomas Morley) and that of the Beatles! They will discuss how lute songs, as well as the music of Lennon and McCartney, translate so well to solo voice and guitar. With musical examples and stories, they will weave a tale as old as the 15th century and as new as the 20th.

This event will be held in our historic Recital Hall. It is free of charge and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of the Walker Fund. Donations are appreciated.

____________________

Emily Adams:
Known for her vocal flexibility and expressiveness, mezzo-soprano Emily Adams has performed in
operas, concerts, and recitals throughout southern New England. An avid early music performer,
Emily sang the Monteverdi Vespers with Cantata Singers this past October, and was a featured
soloist in their performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Recent opera performances include
Dorabella in Mozart’s Così fan tutte with Opera51. Past concert performances include the alto soloist
in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Handel’s Messiah. Emily is also a professional pianist and
organist and has accompanied productions of La Bohème and Der Schauspieldirektor for Opera
New Hampshire’s educational initiative. As a ballet pianist, Emily worked with the apprentice
company of Boston Ballet (BBII) and the San Francisco Opera dance corps. When not pursuing
musical ventures, Emily loves sewing, embroidery, and most of all, being a mom to her two
rambunctious young children.

Cody Switzer:
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Cody Switzer began playing guitar at 10 years old starting with classical
guitar lessons from the professor at the University of South Alabama and continuing throughout
middle and high school. He continued his music education at the University of Alabama where he
obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. Post-graduation he moved to Tallahassee,
Florida to study with Bruce Holzman at Florida State University, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Arts
Administration at FSU in 2018. During this time he was elected the president of the Classical Guitar
Society at FSU and director of the FSU Modern Guitar Ensemble. Cody moved to New Hampshire
with his wife in July 2020 and began teaching guitar for the Nashua Community Music School that
following October. In February 2023, he was hired to be the Assistant Director for NCMS, where he
gleefully works in the main office, manages outreach programs, and still teaches students a variety
of genres including classical, thrash metal, country, and neo-soul.