The Frye Art Museum and Early Music Seattle are delighted to present Lute Legends: Trade, Conquest, and the Lute, a captivating trio of players who bring the music of Europe, the Arab world, and Asia into a dynamic dialogue. This special concert will take place in the Frye Salon, activating the floor-to-ceiling installation of the museum’s founding-era collection and honoring the rich history of cross-disciplinary engagement initially established by Charles and Emma Frye, a legacy that continues to inspire the museum today.

Join Artistic Director Gus Denhard for an evening of music and conversation exploring the remarkable journey of the lute. Revered across diverse cultural traditions, the lute has long symbolized the transformative power of music. Through live performances, the trio will highlight the unique musical traditions of their respective cultures, draw connections to the artwork in the Frye Salon, and debut original compositions created as a collaborative ensemble. Their dedication to artistic collaboration conveys a powerful message of unity and shared humanity.

The Frye is now open late on Thursday evenings. Come early to explore the exhibitions, shop the Museum Store, and enjoy dinner and happy hour at MariPili at Café Frieda.

About the Performers

The Lute Legends Collective is an ensemble of musicians dedicated to preserving and reimagining ancient plucked-string traditions. Directed by lutenist Lucas Harris and pipa virtuoso Wen Zhao, the collective brings together artists who are committed carriers of an ancient musical tradition. These traditions include the virtuosic modal improvisation of the Middle East, the intricate polyphony of the European Renaissance and Baroque, and the picturesque musical depictions of nature from China.

Although instruments such as the oud, lute, and pipa have developed unique techniques and sounds over centuries, the collective reunites these traditions onstage in an innovative, cross-cultural musical experiment for the twenty-first century. With a flexible format, the group adapts its size to suit the needs of each project, offering audiences a rich and dynamic exploration of musical history and collaboration.

About Early Music Seattle

Early Music Seattle’s mission is to present outstanding early music from a world perspective, use early music to enrich cultural heritage via education and outreach, and connect to new audiences through inclusivity and openness. Formed in 1977 as Early Music Guild, Early Music Seattle is now the area’s largest presenter of early music, including the Music for the Ages Series, Global Connections, Seattle Baroque Orchestra, and related educational programs serving more than 100 amateur musicians.