Cappella Artemisia

Cappella Artemisia is a fantastic Italian ensemble that's all about shining a light on the hidden gems of Baroque music, especially pieces composed by women in convents back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Founded in 1991 by American musicologist and singer Candace Smith, who's based in Bologna, the group brings together talented vocalists and instrumentalists to perform and record works by nuns like Isabella Leonarda, Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, and Sulpitia Cesis. They're known for their dedication to historical accuracy, using period instruments and drawing from archival research to revive music that was often tucked away in monastery libraries.

What makes Cappella Artemisia so cool is their focus on themes like laments, Christmas vespers, and spiritual motets, as seen in albums like "Leonarda: A Portrait of Isabella Leonarda" and "Cozzolani: I Vespiri Natalizi." They've released a bunch of recordings on labels like Tactus, helping to rediscover and celebrate these female composers who were rocking the music scene from behind convent walls. If you're into early music with a fresh, empowering twist, their performances and discs are a total treat!

Genres

Renaissance

Early Music

Baroque

Latest Release

Call for the Wailing Women, Laments and Lamentations in Italian Convents

Candace Smith•

Cappella Artemisia

Album - 10 Tracks - Released January 26, 2026