The UC Davis Early Music Ensemble will present music by the great Renaissance composer Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Episcopal Church of St. Martin, 640 Hawthorn Lane. Monteverdi holds a pivotal position in the history of music; he wrote numerous madrigals over a period of 40 years, in addition to highly regarded church music and what is considered the first true opera. Music professor David Nutter will direct the Early Music Ensemble in performances of Monteverdi’s “Laetatus sum” and a Mass for four voices, as well as some sort works by Giovanni Palestrina (1525-1594). The concert is free, but donations will be accepted with gratitude.