Detroit — Music lovers can take a trip back to 17th-century Italy, all without having to leave Detroit.

Ann Arbor-based Dark Horse Consort along with fellow Ann Arborites Audivi chamber choir will be performing Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 3 p.m. April 24, as part of the Cathedral Cultural Series.

The vespers is an evening prayer liturgy, consisting of songs and music for the Blessed Virgin Mary, written for St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, according to Joe Balistreri, director of the Archdiocesan Chorus.

“1610 Vespers for St. Mark’s in Venice is considered one of the greatest pieces in Western music,” Balistreri said. “The piece is rooted in the liturgy and is still a viable part of the Church.”

The instruments used for the vespers are 500 years old, and the performers will be playing old instruments or replicas of instruments designed in the 16th century.

Dark Horse Consort’s instruments are made from a quality of wood, producing a sounds music listeners may not be used to hearing.

Audivi is a small singing group, usually around 12 members, who specialize in producing a clear interior sound.

“It’s taking everything back to St. Mark’s in Venice,” Balistreri said. “It’s as close to time traveling as anyone can get. This work really is beautiful and powerful, but the piece has humility, because it’s liturgical music. The music submits itself to the text, the Church’s liturgy.”

Tickets cost $30, $15 for students. For more information, call the cathedral, (313) 865-6300 or visit www.detcathedral.org

—Dan Meloy