In the Middle Ages, a bestiary was a collection of descriptions and stories about animals, ranging from the mundane to the fantastical, from which moral and theological lessons were gleaned from the natural world. The symbols of the bestiary were likewise absorbed into the conventions of courtly love.

On today’s Noontime Concert on The Classical Network, the ensemble Marginalia will present “The Book of Beasts: A Medieval Bestiary,” musical evocations of the lion, the panther, the unicorn, the elephant, the phoenix, the pelican, and the dragon, from medieval sources.

The program, part of a free midday concert series presented by Gotham Early Music Scene (or GEMS), was given at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, 50th Street and Park Avenue, in New York City. Free concerts are held there every Thursday at 1:15 p.m.

Following the broadcast, stick around, as we’ll continue with an afternoon of zoological and cryptozoological wonders, including Peter Schickele’s “Bestiary,” Jennifer Higdon’s “An Exaltation of Larks,” Lucas Richman: Conductor/Composer’s “Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant” – and, okay, Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals,” among others.

Take a walk on the wild side, this afternoon from 12 to 4:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.