COOL HAND LUTE . . . and other smooth instruments from the 18th century will have Annapolis reeling during the Maryland Early Music Festival (April 14-17). Among the performances scheduled: Scottish tunes by a fiddle and cello combo, Bach et al. performed on violin, oboe and harpsichord and the sounds of the Italian Renaissance sung by the youngsters of the St. Mary's College Choir. Other yesteryear events include lectures, a choreographed early-19th-century ball and, for those growing up in the age of text messaging, a how-to on the fading art of letter writing, complete with quill pen and sealing wax.
Times, venues and ticket prices vary. About 30 minutes from the Beltway throughout downtown Annapolis. 410-267-8146, www.chambermusicannapolis.org.
-- Anne McDonough
