Mon Aug 5 19:00

Operatic Fluidity: Handel Arias with Arion Baroque

Chamberfest welcomes the return of Montreal’s pioneering period instrument group, Arion Baroque Orchestra, with a program exploring the ‘Operatic Fluidity’ of gender through some of Handel’s most beautiful arias. In Handel’s time, these arias would have been performed by castrati—it was their golden era—but these roles have long-since been assigned to mezzos, contraltos, and tenors, showcasing interesting contrasts and unique colours.

This evening, Arion gives these beloved works a current-day gender shift, illuminating different sides, facets, and faces in Handel’s characters as Amelia Keenan, contralto, and countertenor Ian Sabourin perform roles of the opposite gender.  

Programme

George Friedrich Handel (1685 – 1759)

Concerto grosso op.6, n°12
Largo
Allegro

Partenope: Furibondo spira il vento

Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.3
Larghetto
Andante

Messiah: But who may abide

Rodelinda: Dove sei, amato bene?

Alcina: Overture

Alcina: Tornami a vagheggiar

Tolomeo: Stille Amare

Sonata a violino solo e cembalo, Op. 1 No. 13
Affetuoso
Allegro

Rinaldo: Lascia ch’io pianga

Concerto grosso Op. 6, No. 4
Allegro

Rinaldo, HWV 7: Cara Sposa

Concerto grosso Op. 6, No. 9
Largo

Messiah: He shall feed his flock

Concerto grosso Op. 6, No. 9
Allegro

Serse: Ombra mai fu

Download Programme PDF

This concert, part of Chamberfest’s Early Music Now series, is presented with the generous support of Nicole Presentey

 

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Ottawa ON K2P 0W7 Canada

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info@chamberfest.com

Ottawa Chamberfest is located on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation.

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