Presented by Matthew Dirst, associate professor of music at the Moores School of Music, University of Houston, and artistic director of Ars Lyrica Houston; with Catherine Turocy, artistic director, New York Baroque Dance Company.

At the dawn of the 17th century, when virtually all European arts aspired toward greater expressivity and emotional impact, the most lavish performances combined harmonious instrumental music and singing, theatrical dance steps and gestures, elegant costumes, vivid scenery, and special effects.

Gestures were of particular importance, involving the whole body—arms, hands, and fingers; legs and feet; head and eyes; and torso. Each gesture, movement, or pause was meaningful within a set code that the Royal and aristocratic audience understood.

Join Matthew Dirst and Catherine Turocy for a lecture-demonstration exploring Baroque gestures with reference to selected works from the MFAH art collections; excerpts from Claudio Monteverdi’s Madrigals of Love and War; and demonstrations of dance steps.

Artful Thursdays are free and open to the public.

Register to win great giveaways from Houston Public Radio—KUHF 88.7 FM & KUHA 91.7 FM—and the MFAH. Promotional support for Artful Thursdays is generously provided by KUHF 88.7 FM & KUHA 91.7 FM.

A reception to meet the speaker follows the program. Refreshments generously provided by the Starbucks locations at Buffalo Speedway/Westpark and in Rice Village.