Ars Lyrica Houston presents "Love Letters," Italian love songs by Monteverdi, Vivaldi and Scarlatti featuring countertenor John Holiday and mezzo-soprano Ellie Jarrett Shattles.

The performance also includes "A Moment with the Artists" at 7 p.m. on Zilkha Hall stage, a behind-the-scenes preview presented by Ars Lyrica artistic director Matthew Dirst and the soloists.

In its third year, Houston Early Music Festival 2015 (HEMF) expands to an extended-weekend event that runs February 12-15 and is sponsored by partner organizations Ars Lyrica Houston, Bach Society Houston, Houston Early Music, Mercury – The Orchestra Redefined and Piping Rock Singers. HEMF will feature five main-stage performances and an inaugural Young Artist Showcase program, which highlights current student period-instrument ensembles from Texas university and college music programs.