Wells audiences will enjoy an excursion to early Spanish times when the Baltimore Consort presents “‚Cancionero! A Songbook for the King of Spain” this weekend.

The program harkens to the days of Spain prior to the final defeat of the Moors and the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. At the time, Spain was a land of three cultures: Jews, Muslims and Christians. The story of the time will be told by the Baltimore Consort in palace cancioneros (songbooks), music by the courtly composer Juan del Encina and the books of the vihuelistas. Counter tenor Jose Lemos will join the group to present these stirring and lively melodies from this turbulent period in Spain's history.

The Consort is a virtuoso ensemble that specializes in the courtly and popular music of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries as well as traditional music with stylistic roots in earlier times. The group utilizes lute, viol, flute, cittern, early guitar, recorder and other staples of early music to delight audiences on both sides of the Atlantic with lively performances. Since 1990, the group has performed on BBC, CBC and Performance Today radio broadcasts and earned recognition from Billboard magazine as the “top classical crossover artist” in 1993.

If you go.

What: “Cancionero! A songbook for the King of Spain”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26

Where: Phipps Auditorium, Macmillan Hall, Wells College, Aurora

Cost: $6 students and seniors, $10 adults, free for Wells students with ID

Info: Call 364-3330 or visit www.baltcons.com