The University of Maine at Farmington Community Chorus and Monteverdi Singers, under the direction of Steven Pane, will perform selections from Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2.

UMF music history students will give a special preconcert presentation about Monteverdi and the “Vespers” prior to the concerts: at 6 p.m. April 1, and at 1:30 p.m. April 2. The work will feature multiple choirs, soloists and an orchestra of brass and string instruments.

The 1610 Vespers coincided with the birth of opera. Not surprisingly, Monteverdi incorporated both the sacred choral and secular solo styles into the work. It is also likely that he wrote the work to be performed at St. Mark’s in Venice. This is evident through the use of multiple choirs, soloists and instruments that can be placed in different parts of the space.

Tickets: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (no charge for pre-concert presentations). Tickets may be purchased at Mickey’s Hallmark, or call 778-7072.